Toxic elements identified in breast milk of mothers residing in water contaminated region of Sindh and their impact on infants' growth patterns: A case-control study.

Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for breastfed infants, providing essential nutrients and elements but, in some cases, toxic ones. This is the first case-control study that investigated the elemental profile of breast milk samples collected from mothers residing in Matiari (Sindh), a region with insufficient industrial waste management, and its potential impact on infants' anthropometrics. Precisely, 62 milk samples, including 42 cases and 20 controls, were analyzed using the ICP-MS technique. Overall, six elements showed significance between the two groups, arsenic (As) was present at 0.68 µg/L in cases and absent in controls, while lead (Pb) exhibited elevated concentrations in the case group at 4.56 µg/L compared to 0.25 µg/L in controls, well-known for their toxicity. Barium (Ba) and manganese (Mn) levels were also higher in cases, associated with reported health effects on child well-being. Essential elements molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se) were higher in the controls. Furthermore, the association of these metals with the child growth standards as per WHO guidelines was calculated. Linear regression analysis revealed As negatively associated with WAZ and WHZ scores, while Mo was positively associated with WAZ, WHZ, and HAZ scores. These findings highlight serious health concerns in the region, where toxic elements pervade drinking water and food sources. Immediate actions are imperative to maintain the wellness of future generations.

Banned Sudan dyes in spices available at markets in Karachi, Pakistan.

Sudan dyes were investigated in branded and non-branded spices, commonly available in the markets of Karachi, Pakistan. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a variable wavelength detector (VWD) was applied to determine Sudan dyes I-IV. The non-branded samples had higher concentrations of Sudan dyes than the maximum limits of 0.1 mg/kg. The highest concentration of Sudan dye (I) was found in turmeric powder (8460 mg/kg) and the lowest concentration (1.50 mg/kg) of Sudan (IV) in Chaat Masala. This indicates that the use of non-branded spices is not safe, whereas no Sudan dye was found in the branded spice samples. Further studies regarding the higher carcinogenic risk posed by Sudan dye adulterated spices in Pakistan is strongly advised.