Lab tests raise alarming concerns over breast milk:Mercury detected calcium deficiency found in samples

Mother’s milk has long been considered the safest and most complete source of nutrition for newborns. However, a recent investigation has raised serious concerns after laboratory tests found excessive minerals and even toxic heavy metals in several breast milk samples collected from mothers in Madhya Pradesh. In a joint investigation conducted by Dainik Bhaskar and Sehore-based Mansarovar Medical College and MGU Hospital, breast milk samples from 50 mothers were tested in an independent laboratory. The analysis, based on international medical standards, revealed alarming nutritional imbalances and the presence of hazardous substances in some samples. Calcium deficiency found in 64% of samples The study found that calcium — essential for the bone development of newborns — was dangerously low in many samples. According to medical standards, breast milk should contain 250–350 mg/kg of calcium. However, 32 out of 50 samples (64%) contained calcium below the minimum recommended level. Doctors warned that insufficient calcium in breast milk may negatively affect bone growth and overall infant development. Excess sodium detected in 70% of samples The investigation found that sodium levels exceeded the safe range in 35 samples (70%). Breast milk ideally should contain 150–180 mg/kg of sodium. Excess sodium can place additional strain on a newborn’s underdeveloped kidneys, which are not fully capable of filtering high salt levels. Additionally, phosphorus levels exceeded the recommended limit (130–150 mg/kg) in 54% of the samples tested. Mercury and Copper levels trigger alarm One of the most concerning findings was the detection of mercury — a highly toxic heavy metal — in two samples. Mercury levels in breast milk are expected to remain at zero or below 0.01 mg/kg. However: The study also detected excessive copper levels in 30% of samples. The acceptable upper limit for copper is 0.4 mg/kg, but one sample (coded NK017) recorded copper at 3.93 mg/kg — nearly ten times above the safe limit. In another sample, tin was also detected at 0.10 mg/kg. Iron levels above safe range in 98% of samples Iron, which should naturally remain between 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg in breast milk, was found above the acceptable range in 49 out of 50 samples (98%). Several samples recorded iron levels between 4 and 20 mg/kg. Major relief: No dangerous levels of lead, arsenic or cadmium The report offered one major reassurance: none of the samples contained dangerous levels of highly toxic metals such as lead, arsenic or cadmium. All samples also showed adequate protein content. Experts blame processed food and packaging chemicals Harmful elements may be entering the body through processed foods Pediatric specialist Dr. Rahul Agrawal said processed and packaged foods often contain excessive salt, artificial additives and chemicals used to enhance taste and shelf life. He explained that harmful substances may also enter the body through metallic layers used in food packaging. Some packaged foods use sea salt and artificial iron fortification, which may increase exposure to heavy metals such as mercury. According to experts, these substances can eventually reach breast milk. Doctors recommend daily sunlight and better dietary habits Take 20 minutes of sunlight daily Doctors advised new mothers to spend at least 20 minutes in sunlight every day to maintain adequate Vitamin D and calcium levels in the body. They also stressed the importance of staying hydrated and drinking sufficient water. Avoid plastic bottles, say experts Experts warned mothers against drinking water stored in plastic bottles. Instead, they recommended using earthen pots, clay pitchers or steel containers to reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA). Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly The report also highlighted concerns over pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture. Experts advised soaking fruits and vegetables in clean water for two hours before washing and consuming them to reduce chemical residue exposure. Ethical approval obtained for the study The investigation was conducted after obtaining approval from an ethics committee. The study was carried out by Dr. Apoorv Tripathi and Dr. Sapna Singh of Mansarovar Medical College and Hospital. Breast milk samples were collected from Roshan Hospital, Noble Hospital, Mansarovar Hospital and Natkhat Clinic in Bhopal.