Maternal Aflatoxin Exposure Through Diet on Growth and Morbidity of Infants

Description

Aflatoxins, naturally occurring carcinogenic toxins produced by species of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are associated with poor growth outcomes, especially stunting and underweight as well as morbidity in young children. Although evidence supports mother to infant exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, evidence of its effect on growth is limited to the period after introduction of complementary foods. It is therefore unclear whether early maternal exposure to aflatoxin affects infant growth and morbidity right from birth. Prevalence of aflatoxin levels of 40% has been observed in Nyanza region, and 22.7% of children under 5 years are stunted. The purpose of this study was to determine effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure on growth and morbidity of infants 0-3 months old in Kisumu County, Kenya.