Dioxins have been detected at high concentrations in breast milk, raising concerns about disorders in nursing infants caused by breast milk. The researchers analyzed dioxin levels in breast milk and maternal blood samples from 35 pregnant women in Japan. They also measured immunoglobulin (Ig) A concentrations in breast milk and investigated correlations with dioxin concentrations.
18 of the 35 women in the study took chlorella supplements during pregnancy, and the effects on dioxin and IgA concentrations in breast milk were investigated. Toxic equivalents were significantly lower in the breast milk of women taking chlorella tablets than in the control group. These results suggest that chlorella supplementation by the mother may reduce transfer of dioxins to the child through breast milk.
The researchers concluded:
“The present results suggest that Chlorella supplementation not only reduces dioxin levels in breast milk, but may also have beneficial effects on nursing infants by increasing IgA levels in breast milk.”