Distribution of Silver Nanoparticles to Breast Milk and Their Biological Effects on Breast-Fed Offspring Mice

Recent rodent studies have shown that nanoparticles are distributed to breast milk, and more-detailed safety information regarding nanoparticle consumption by lactating mothers is required. Here, we used mice to investigate the safety of nanoparticle use during lactation. When Ag and Au nanoparticles were intravenously administered to lactating mice, the nanoparticles were distributed to breast milk without producing apparent damage to the mammary gland, and the amount of Ag nanoparticles distributed to breast milk increased with decreasing particle size. Orally administered Ag nanoparticles were also distributed to breast milk and subsequently to the brains of breast-fed pups. Ten-nanometer Ag nanoparticles were retained longer in the pups' brains than in their livers and lungs. Nevertheless, no significant behavioral changes were observed in offspring breast-fed by dams that had received orally administered 10 nm Ag nanoparticles. These data provide basic information for evaluating the safety of nanoparticle use during lactation.