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SM Journal of Food and Nutritional Disorders

Mercury Exposure and Potential Risks from Rice-based Infant Foods in Infants: A Literature Review

[ ISSN : 2573-3664 ]

Abstract
Details

Received: 27-Jul-2020

Accepted: 24-Aug-2020

Published: 26-Aug-2020

Research Article | Volume 5 - Issue 1 | Article DOI :

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Emily K. Hutcherson¹, Durga A. Kumar¹, James R Palmeiri¹*, and Meghan L. Wilson²

¹Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

²Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

Corresponding Author:

James R. Palmieri, Ph.D. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA, 24060, USA; Tel: 5406765830; Email: jpalmieri@vcom.vt.edu

Keywords

Rice-based infant foods; Infant cereal; Mercury in rice; Heavy metals; Infant development; Arsenic; Mercury; Methylmercury; Cadmium

Abstract

Rice-based infant cereals and snacks are popular starter and weaning foods for infants around the world. Recent research has indicated that rice can accumulate a variety of heavy metals, with mercury posing the biggest risk to human health. During manufacturing and processing of infant foods, these heavy metals are not removed, thus causing increased incidence of exposure. Mercury and heavy metal exposure in infants is significantly more detrimental than in adults and can cause physical and neurocognitive developmental defects. This literature review evaluated 97 sources found through PubMed and Google Scholar to determine the prevalence of mercury and heavy metals in rice-based infant foods. In conclusion, multiple studies showed the continued presence of these contaminants in rice-based infant foods along with how exposure can cause long term side effects in infants. Further studies are warranted to evaluate mercury levels in certain brands of infant foods and to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in mercury levels of organic vs. non-organic infant foods.

Citation

Hutcherson EK, Kumar DA, Palmeiri JR, Wilson ML (2020) Mercury Exposure and Potential Risks from Rice-based Infant Foods in Infants: A Literature Review. SM J Food Nutri Disord 5: 8.