Study Found Uranium In Breast Milk In Bihar: Doctors Share Why It Is Alarming

Uranium Found In Breastmilk Bihar Study: Breast milk is considered the ideal food for infants due to its nutritious value. The World Health Organisation (WHO) even recommends that newborns under six months should be exclusively breastfed. However, a recent study conducted in Bihar has raised serious concerns as uranium contamination has been found in breast milk across six districts.

The study has sparked a discussion around how Uranium in lactating mothers poses health risks to infants and mothers, and does this affect the breastfeeding pattern of mothers. To understand the situation in detail and clear the air around, we reached out to the study's co-researcher and an additional professor at AIIMS, Dr Ashok Sharma, and Dr Smrithi D Nayak, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore. Here is what both experts had to say about the current situation:

Study Findings

The study, conducted by the Mahavir Cancer Sanstha and Research Centre in Patna and other partner organisations, is claimed to be the first to estimate uranium exposure in breast milk in women inhabiting the Gangetic plains of Bihar. The study was published in the Journal Nature and covered six districts of the state, Katihar, Bhojpur, Samastipur, Khagaria, Nalanda, and Begusarai.

Researchers analysed breast milk from 40 lactating women aged between 17 to 35 and found uranium (U-238) in all the samples. The highest concentration was 5.25 micrograms per litre in the Katihar District, the lowest.

Speaking to Onlymyhealth, Dr Ashok Sharma said, "It was a regular study conducted to understand the impact of heavy metals on human health in the country. However, this is the first reported study not only in India but also in the world to find uranium in breast milk."

How Does It Impact Infant And Mother Health?

Dr Sharma highlights that the data is concerning, but he suggests it may not pose any severe risk to the baby in the future. "It poses a non-carcinogenic risk. You may experience problems with cognitive function and kidney function, but nothing related to any kind of cancer has come out of the study."

He also underlines that heavy metals typically have similar effects, and though he reiterated that it is too early to say for sure, similar effects are common.

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Explaining what risk uranium in breast milk can pose to mothers, Dr Smrithi D Nayak said, "Uranium in breast milk means uranium in all body parts, which can contribute to reduced kidney function, fatigue, and mineral imbalance. Mothers can also experience harm to their immunity, which will eventually make them more prone to infections and slow down their recovery."

Dr Nayak further stated, "These toxins affect slowly that sometimes, no one would find out, and they even show no symptoms or warning signs at all."

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How Uranium Came Into Breast Milk

Keeping this the most significant part of the research, Dr Sharma stated, "Previously, ponds, pools, and natural water were stored, which were available within 10 to 15 feet. But now, groundwater has sunk 100 to 300 metres deep into the rocks, which leads to the presence of heavy metals in the human body."

Drinking this water directly affects the nutrients, minerals or heavy metals found in the breast milk.

"Do Not Stop Breastfeeding"

Breastfeeding is not just necessary for the infant, but it is also important for the mother’s long-term health. Dr Sharma emphasises that mothers should not stop breastfeeding because of these findings.

"Breastfeeding is the only source of immunity, growth, and basic nutrition for a newborn, and mothers should not stop breastfeeding and should keep it regular as per their previous pattern. The purpose of the study is not to flag threats or cause fear, but to provide data for policy reform and the development of water and health security in the future. Continue feeding unless your doctor advises otherwise," Dr Sharma advised.

He also underlines that through this study, the researchers hope to strengthen rainwater harvesting, which could eliminate the need for borewell water.

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Bottomline

Experts emphasised that women should continue breastfeeding and that this study should be viewed solely as a means of raising awareness. The uranium found in breast milk in this study will facilitate further research in the next phase. Scientists are currently working on various aspects of this issue, and any definitive comment is too soon to say.