Acrylamide in human breast milk - the current state of knowledge.

Human milk is a first choice in infant nutrition. It not only provides all the nutrients necessary for the proper infant`s development but also contains bioactive factors that provide natural protection against infections. Unfortunately, chemical contaminants can pass to breast milk and pose a health risk for the breastfed infant's health. Acrylamide is a typical process contaminant and in food it is formed as a result of the Maillard reaction. Numerous studies have shown that acrylamide is a neurotoxic and carcinogenic compound. So far there have been published only three studies on the acrylamide content in human milk. In two of them, the acrylamide level in most of the tested samples did not exceed the value of 0.5 µg/L. In the third study, the authors assessed the circulation of acrylamide in the body of two breastfeeding women after consuming products with high acrylamide content. Depending on the time elapsed after the meal, the acrylamide content ranged from 3.17 µg/L to 18.8 µg /L. These studies show that the breastfeeding mothers' diet may have a significant influence on the level of acrylamide in their milk. However, it seems that the acrylamide content in breast milk is also influenced by the time of breast milk collection, including the time elapsed after the mother's meal. To assess the exposure of breastfed infants to acrylamide in human milk, more data is needed on the acrylamide content in human milk at different stages of lactation and using standard protocols for human milk sampling.

Trans Fatty Acids Content in Whole-Day Diets Intended for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Gynaecological and Obstetric Wards: Findings from the Study under the "Mum's Diet" Pilot Program in Poland.

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) have been proven to have an adverse effect on human health by interfering with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) synthesis. LC-PUFA n-3 are necessary for the development and maturation of the nervous system and retina during the prenatal period and infancy. TFAs are not synthesized de novo in the human body. Their presence in body fluids arises from the diet. The aim of our study was to determine the content of TFAs in individual meals and in a whole-day hospital diet intended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Samples were collected from six different hospitals in Poland which voluntarily applied to the "Mum's Diet" Pilot Program. The content of fatty acids, including TFAs, was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The TFAs content in the whole-day hospital diets ranged from 3.86 to 8.37% of all fatty acids (% wt/wt). Food products served for elevenses and afternoon snacks contributed the highest amounts of TFAs. These mainly included dairy products containing TFAs of natural origins. The estimated average intake of TFAs with the hospital diet was 0.72 g/person/day (range: 0.34-1.16 g/person/day) and did not exceed the maximum level of 1% of dietary energy recommended by the World Health Organization.

Human milk metabolome: Impact of gestational age, lactational stage and maternal diet.

Human breast milk due to its unique composition and the ability to adapt to the needs of the infant, is referred to as the "gold standard". Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of a inflant's life. The composition of breast milk and its metabolites is not constant and varies depending on the influence of various factors. Its analysis allows for rational management of infant nutrition. Intermediate and final metabolites of human milk are formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the mammary gland, and their role and the influence of various factors on them are not fully determined in the context of the proper development of infants. Metabolomic studies can be used to identify intermediate and terminal metabolites in breast milk. The aim of the study was to review the current literature on the variability of human milk metabolome depending on factors such as gestational age, lactation stage and mother's diet. A review of current research shows that the composition of human milk metabolome varies depending on various factors. Better understanding of metabolome of breast milk could be crucial in the future programming of metabolic processes in infants, which is crucial in preventing many diseases and maintaining health.

Acrylamide Content in Breast Milk: The Evaluation of the Impact of Breastfeeding Women's Diet and the Estimation of the Exposure of Breastfed Infants to Acrylamide in Breast Milk.

Acrylamide in food is formed by the Maillard reaction. Numerous studies have shown that acrylamide is a neurotoxic and carcinogenic compound. The aim of this study was to determine the level of acrylamide in breast milk at different lactation stages and to evaluate the impact of breastfeeding women's diet on the content of this compound in breast milk. The acrylamide level in breast milk samples was determined by LC-MS/MS. Breastfeeding women's diet was evaluated based on the 24 h dietary recall. The median acrylamide level in colostrum (n = 47) was significantly (p < 0.0005) lower than in the mature milk (n = 26)-0.05 µg/L and 0.14 µg/L, respectively. The estimated breastfeeding women's acrylamide intake from the hospital diet was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower than that from the home diet. We found positive-although modest and borderline significant-correlation between acrylamide intake by breastfeeding women from the hospital diet µg/day) and acrylamide level in the colostrum (µg/L). Acrylamide has been detected in human milk samples, and a positive correlation between dietary acrylamide intake by breastfeeding women and its content in breast milk was observed, which suggests that the concentration can be reduced. Breastfeeding women should avoid foods that may be a source of acrylamide in their diet.

Are AAMA and GAMA Levels in Urine after Childbirth a Suitable Marker to Assess Exposure to Acrylamide from Passive Smoking during Pregnancy?-A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acrylamide (AA) is a "probably carcinogenic to humans" monomer that can form in heated starchy food and in tobacco smoke. N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA) and N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA), acrylamide metabolites in urine, are recognized as good markers of exposure to acrylamide. AIM: The aim of the study is a preliminary assessment whether the levels of AAMA and GAMA in urine after childbirth are good markers of acrylamide exposure due to passive smoking during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study group consisted 67 non-smokers and 10 passive-smoker women during pregnancy. AAMA and GAMA levels in urine samples were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: The median AAMA levels in urine of non-smoking and passively smoking women were 30.7 µg/g creatinine and 25.2 µg/g creatinine, respectively. Much lower values were determined for GAMA: 11.4 µg/g creatinine and 10.3 µg/g creatinine, respectively. There is no significant difference between AAMA and GAMA content in urine samples between both groups of women as well as in the anthropometric parameters of newborns between those two groups of mothers. CONCLUSION: Our pilot study did not confirm that postpartum AAMA and GAMA concentrations in urine are good markers of exposure to acrylamide from passive smoking during pregnancy. It is probably due to the different ways of acrylamide absorption from tobacco smoke by active and passive smokers. Exposure of pregnant women to acrylamide from passive smoking requires further research.

The Concentration of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Human Milk Is Related to Their Habitual but Not Current Intake.

This study determined fatty acid (FA) concentrations in maternal milk and investigated the association between omega-3 fatty acid levels and their maternal current dietary intake (based on three-day dietary records) and habitual dietary intake (based on intake frequency of food products). Tested material comprised 32 samples of human milk, coming from exclusively breastfeeding women during their first month of lactation. Milk fatty acids were analyzed as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) by gas chromatography using a Hewlett-Packard 6890 gas chromatograph with MS detector 5972A. We did not observe any correlation between current dietary intake of omega-3 FAs and their concentrations in human milk. However, we observed that the habitual intake of fatty fish affected omega-3 FA concentrations in human milk. Kendall's rank correlation coefficients were 0.25 (p = 0.049) for DHA, 0.27 (p = 0.03) for EPA, and 0.28 (p = 0.02) for ALA. Beef consumption was negatively correlated with DHA concentrations in human milk (r = -0.25; p = 0.046). These findings suggest that current omega-3 FA intake does not translate directly into their concentration in human milk. On the contrary, their habitual intake seems to markedly influence their milk concentration.

The effect of vegetable and spice addition on the acrylamide content and antioxidant activity of innovative cereal products.

The aim of the work was to assess the impact of vegetable and spice addition on the acrylamide content and antioxidant activity of extruded cereal crisps. The foods were based on grain ingredients, such as brown rice, whole grain flour, wheat bran, with different vegetables. Products from one group contained green vegetables, such as broccoli and zucchini; garlic was included as a flavour additive (0.75-1.50%). The second group of crisps consisted of similar cereal ingredients with pumpkin and cinnamon; additionally ginger was included as a flavour additive (0.75-1.50%). The results indicate that the production of a new, innovative product with appropriate nutritional value and acceptable quality is a complex process. The production process significantly changed the nutritional value of the product. The content of acrylamide in zucchini and broccoli crisps was relatively low; ranging from 78 to 86 µg/kg of product. The addition of garlic did not significantly affect the acrylamide content in the final product. For cereal-pumpkin crisps, the acrylamide content was 7 times higher in comparison with zucchini and broccoli products. The acrylamide content in pumpkin and ginger crisps exceeded the benchmark level. The antioxidant activity of the pumpkin product was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than for crisps with green vegetables.

Impact of conjugated linoleic acid administered to rats prior and after carcinogenic agent on arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolites in serum and tumors.

The objective of the study was to assess the influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) daily supplementation prior and after carcinogenic agent on the concentrations of eicosanoids - metabolites of arachidonic acid (15-, 12- or 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (15-, 12-, 5-HETE), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)) and linoleic acid (13- or 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (13-, 9-HODE)) in rat serum and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced tumors. Female rats were randomised into six groups, receiving 1% or 2% Bio-C.L.A or plant oil since the 37th day of life throughout the whole experiment. Some rats (50-day-old) were administered DMBA to induce tumors. Eicosanoids were analyzed with LC-MS/MS. The study indicated that CLA supplemented daily to rats prior and after carcinogen administration affected concentrations of arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolites in rat serum and induced tumors. However, ratios of eicosanoids exerting opposite activities (e.g. 12-HETE/15-HETE) appear to act as more precise factors reflecting pathological changes in an organism than individual compounds.

Acrylamide content in cigarette mainstream smoke and estimation of exposure to acrylamide from tobacco smoke in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Acrylamide is a "probably human carcinogen" monomer that can form in heated starchy food as a result of a reaction between asparagine and reducing sugars via Maillard reaction. The main source of acrylamide in human diet are potato products, cereal products and coffee. Tobacco smoke may be another significant source of exposure to acrylamide. The aim of our study was to determine acrylamide content in cigarettes available on the Polish market and to estimate the exposure to acrylamide originating from tobacco smoke in smokers in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material was cigarettes of the top five brands bought in Poland and tobacco from non-smoked cigarettes. Acrylamide content in cigarettes mainstream smoke was determined by LC-MS/MS. Exposure assessment was carried out using analytical data of acrylamide content in cigarettes and the mean quantity of cigarettes smoked daily by smokers in Poland, assuming body weight at 70 kg. RESULTS: The mean content of acrylamide was 679.3 ng/cigarette (range: 455.0 - 822.5 ng/cigarette). The content of acrylamide was evidenced to correlate positively with total particulate matter (TPM) content in cigarettes. The estimated average exposure to acrylamide from tobacco smoke in adult smokers in Poland is 0.17 µg/kg b.w./day. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that tobacco smoke is a significant source of acrylamide and total exposure to acrylamide in the population of smokers, on average, is higher by more than 50% in comparison with non-smokers. Our estimation of exposure to acrylamide from tobacco smoke is the first estimation taking into account the actual determined acrylamide content in the cigarettes available on the market.

Estimation of exposure to dietary acrylamide based on mercapturic acids level in urine of Polish women post partum and an assessment of health risk.

We determined metabolites of acrylamide and glycidamide concentrations (AAMA and GAMA, respectively) in urine of 93 women within the first days after delivery, using LC-MS/MS. The median AAMA and GAMA levels in urine were 20.9 µg/l (2.3÷399.0 µg/l) and 8.6 µg/l (1.3÷85.0 µg/l), respectively. In smokers we found significantly (P<0.01) higher levels of metabolites in comparison with the non-smoking women. As demonstrated by the 24-h dietary recall, acrylamide intake was low (median: 7.04 µg/day). Estimated exposure to acrylamide based on AAMA and GAMA levels in the whole group of women was 0.16 µg/kg b.w./day (1.15 µg/kg b.w./day, P95). We found significantly (P<0.05) higher exposure in women who consumed higher amount of acrylamide in the diet (≥10 µg/day vs <10 µg/day). A weak but significant positive correlation between acrylamide intake calculated on the basis of urinary levels of AAMA and GAMA and estimated on the basis of 24-h dietary recall (r=0.26, P<0.05) was found. The estimated margin of exposure values were below 10 000 and ranged from 156 for 95th percentile to 1938 for median acrylamide intake. Our results have shown that even a low dietary acrylamide intake may be associated with health risk.

Assessment of the diet components of pregnant women as predictors of risk of preterm birth and born baby with low birth weight.

OBJECTIVE: The diet of pregnant women is an important factor in the development of the fetus. In our study we wanted to determine the diet of women who gave birth to healthy children at term (AGA), preterm (PTB) and small for gestational age neonates (SGA). Based on the analysis of dietary components we wanted predict the likelihood of giving birth AGA, PTB and SGA. METHODS: The content of components in the women's diets were estimated based on the dietary questionnaire. The large number of variables analyzed in the diet was reduced using factor analysis. Next, the prediction of pre-maturity and SGA based on previously selected factors was analyzed. For this purpose, two independent methods were used: discriminant function analysis and ROC analysis. RESULTS: Factor analysis resulted in nine factors containing at least one variable of the factor load being greater than 0.7. Analysis of variance only showed differences between the AGA and preterm groups. The study of discriminant function showed that three factors significantly affect the discriminative power to classify cases into AGA and preterm groups. ROC analysis confirmed diagnostic usefulness factor 1 (fatty acids) in classifying cases into AGA and preterm groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of dietary components of women one can predict the likelihood of giving birth to a healthy child at term and prematurely For AGA the predicting factor is a higher content of short and medium chain fatty acids in a woman's diet.

Pregnant women's diet composition and transitional milk fatty acids: factor analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The variation in the nutrients contained in the milk is the result of changes to the breast metabolism, placenta metabolism and the diet of pregnant women. Various factors influence fatty acid composition which are one of the major components of woman's breast milk. In our research, we wanted to determine the relationship between the components of the diet of and the transitional milk fatty acid composition mothers who delivered healthy full-term babies, preterm and small for gestational age neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 95 healthy women who were divided into three sub-groups: mothers of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates (group A); mothers of preterm neonates (group B); and mothers who gave birth to small for gestational age (SGA) babies (Group C). The women's elements diet and the content of biochemical components were estimated based on the dietary questionnaire. The FAs in the mother's milk were analyzed using GCMS chromatography. The results of the studies of the dietary components and fatty acids of the milk underwent factor analysis. RESULTS: In group A, 10 correlations (5 positive and 5 negative) were found between the components of the mother's diet and the FAs in the milk (correlation varying from 0.285-0.366). In group B, only negative correlations were observed and these had higher absolute correlation values (0.354-0.500). The most correlations between dietary components and FAs in the milk were found in group C (0.537-0.800). CONCLUSION: Nature of the correlations between the variables examined in groups A, B and C are different.

The Dietary Composition of Women Who Delivered Healthy Full-Term Infants, Preterm Infants, and Full-Term Infants Who Were Small for Gestational Age.

The impact of diet on the health of pregnant women remains an unresolved clinical issue. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the dietary intake of mothers who gave birth to full-term infants whose sizes were appropriate for gestational age (AGA), preterm birth (PTB) infants, and full-term infants who were small for gestational age (SGA). Of the 103 women who participated, 50 gave birth to AGA infants, 30 gave birth to PTB infants, and 23 gave birth to SGA infants. The composition of each woman's diet was analyzed using a questionnaire completed 3 days post-childbirth. Findings revealed a number of differences between the groups. The percentage of energy obtained from fat and the calcium and lactose intake was all highest in Group AGA. The largest number of differences in intake of fatty acids (FAs) was observed among short- and medium-chain FAs. Lower levels of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, and C14:0 were observed in the diets of women in Group PTB than in Group AGA. C18:0 intake was also lower in Group PTB than in Group AGA. The reduced short-, medium-, and long-chain FA intake by women in Group PTB also affected the total saturated FA intake, which was lowest in that group. These findings suggest that, even in mothers giving birth to children with only slight deviations from normal birth weight or normal gestational duration, differences in diet can be identified, particularly regarding FA content, which may affect the health of the newborn.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid mixture supplemented daily after carcinogen application on linoleic and arachidonic acid metabolites in rat serum and induced tumours.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is thought to exert anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory and weight loss effects. The impact on eicosanoid biosynthesis may be one of the mechanisms of its action. The aim of this study was to establish whether CLA mixture supplemented daily after administration of carcinogen (7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, DMBA) influenced the concentration of linoleic and arachidonic acid metabolites: 13- or 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (13-, 9-HODE) and 15-, 12- or 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (15-, 12- or 5-HETE) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in rat serum and DMBA-induced tumours. The correlations between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and HETE and HODE contents in serum were also investigated. Female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into three groups according to the diet (1% Bio-C.L.A., 2% Bio-C.L.A. and plant oil in the control group) were used in the study. On the 50th day of life some of the animals in every dietary group were administered DMBA to induce tumours. Since that day, the rats were fed one of the above-mentioned diets. After 15weeks the animals were sacrificed and blood and tumours were collected. HETE and HODE were extracted using a solid-phase extraction (SPE) method on C18 columns and analysed with LC-MS/MS. The results of our study showed that CLA daily supplementation after carcinogen administration influence LA and AA metabolite levels in serum and tumours. However, the ratios of eicosanoids having opposite effects (e.g. 12-HETE/15-HETE), not concentrations of particular compounds, appear to be better indicators of pathological processes.

Studies of acrylamide level in coffee and coffee substitutes: influence of raw material and manufacturing conditions.

BACKGROUND: Many animal studies have shown that acrylamide is both neurotoxic and carcinogenic. The first reports of acrylamide actually having been found in foodstuffs were published in 2002 by the Swedish National Food Agency in conjunction with scientists from the University of Stockholm. It has since been demonstrated that acrylamide arises in foodstuffs by the Maillard reaction, ie. between free asparagine and reducing sugars at temperatures >120 degrees C. Coffee in fact, forms one of the principal dietary sources of acrylamide, where it is normally drunk in large quantities throughout many countries worldwide that includes Poland. Thus, it constitutes a major dietary component in a wide range of population groups, mainly ranging from late adolescents to the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To determine the acrylamide level in commercial samples of roasted and instant coffee and in coffee substitutes by LC-MS/MS method. The influence of coffee species and colour intensity of coffee on acrylamide level was also detailed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 samples of coffee were analysed which included 28 that were ground roasted coffee, 11 instant coffees and 3 coffee substitutes (grain coffee). Analytical separation of acrylamide from coffee was performed by liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To evaluate the colour intensity of ground roasted coffee and instant coffee we used method of arranging (sequence). RESULTS: The highest mean acrylamide concentrations were found in coffee substitutes (818 pg/kg) followed by instant coffee (358 microg/kg) and then roasted coffee (179 microg/kg). One single cup of coffee (160 ml) delivered on average from 0.45 microg acrylamide in roasted coffee to 3.21 microg in coffee substitutes. There were no significant differences in acrylamide level between the coffee species ie. Arabica vs Robusta or a mixture thereof. The various methods of coffee manufacture also showed no differences in acrylamide (ie. freeze-dried coffee vs agglomerated coffee). A significant negative correlation was observed between acrylamide levels and the intensity of colour in roasted coffee; this was not the case however for instant coffee. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that roasting process had the most significant effect on acrylamide levels in natural coffee, however there were no relationships found with coffee species. Due to the high acrylamide levels demonstrated in coffee substitutes, recommended amounts should be defined and manufacturers should be obliged to reduce such levels in these products.

Optimisation and validation of the analytical procedure for the determination of acrylamide in coffee by LC-MS/MS with SPE clean up.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated acrylamide to be both neurotoxic and carcinogenic. At present it is widely recognised that acrylamide is mainly formed through the Maillard reaction from free asparagine and reducing sugars. The major sources of dietary acrylamide are potato products, processed cereals and coffee. OBJECTIVE: To optimise and validate an analytical method for determining acrylamide in coffee by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis (LC/MS/MS) using SPE clean-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical separation of acrylamide from roasted coffee was performed by liquid chromatography using a Hypercarb column followed by LC/MS/MS analysis, with 2,3,3-d3 acrylamide as an internal standard. The method was based on two purification steps: the first with hexane and Carrez solutions in order to remove of fat and to precipitate proteins, respectively; and the second with a solid-phase extraction (SPE) column which proved to be efficient in the elimination of the main chromatographic interferences. RESULTS: Limit of quantification (LOQ) for measuring acrylamide in coffee was 50 microg/kg. The described method demonstrates satisfactory precision (RSD = 2.5%), repeatability (RSD = 9.2%) and accuracy (mean recovery - 97.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that LC-MS/MS with SPE clean-up is selective and suitable for determination of acrylamide in coffee. Indeed, this method meets the criteria of EU Commission Recommendations (No. 2007/331/EC and No. 2010/307/EU), on the monitoring of acrylamide levels in food.

[Nutritional guidelines for healthy children aged 1-3 years - Polish Expert Group statement. Part I- energy and nutritional components demand]. / Normy zywienia zdrowych dzieci w 1-3. Rokuzycia . stanowisko polskiej grupy ekspertów.czesc i - zapotrzebowanie na energiei skladniki odzywcze.

Updating of the nutritional guidelines for the Polish population requires updates of the nutritional norms for children. We present the Polish Expert Group statement (2012) on intake of selected nutrients (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamin D and E) essential in nutrition of children aged 1-3 years. For this purpose the Expert Group reviewed available scientific data: the recent guidelines, nutritional norms and recommendations, systematic reviews and expert opinions as well as original publications, in relation to the specific requirements of the Polish population.

Comparison of the fatty acid composition of maternal blood and cord blood of mothers who delivered healthy full-term babies, preterm babies, and full-term small for gestational age infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the fatty acid (FA) profile of maternal blood and cord blood of children born at term (group A); those born prematurely (group B); and children born with hypotrophic features (group C). METHODS: The study consisted of 109 women. FA composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Twenty-two FAs were identified in the maternal blood and 33 FAs were identified in the cord blood. Significant differences in the levels of C18:3n-6 and C20:5n-3 were noted when comparing the FA composition of maternal blood samples from the three different groups (A, B, and C). Seven statistical differences were detected in the cord blood. They concerned C12:0, C18:0, C18:1c, C18:3n-6, C20:0, C20:3n-6, and C20:4n-6. CONCLUSION: Our research has shown that the FA profile of both the maternal blood and the cord blood undergoes changes in response to pregnancy duration and the presence of reduced fetal growth. Statistical differences between groups B and C compared with group A, show that the placental-fetal transport of FA in group B and C infants may differ from that of group A children.

Determination of acrylamide level in commercial baby foods and an assessment of infant dietary exposure.

Acrylamide is a monomer that can form in heated starchy food as a result of Maillard reaction. The adverse effects of acrylamide in humans are neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Aim of our study was to determine acrylamide levels in the main categories of commercially made Polish baby food products and to assess the dietary acrylamide exposure of infants aged 6-12 months. Acrylamide content in baby food products was analysed by GCQ-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS methods. The exposure assessment was carried out using analytical data and recommended daily consumption of food in individual months of infant life. The infant exposure was estimated at three levels: minimum, average and maximum. The mean content of acrylamide in the baby foods ranged from 2 to 516 µg/kg depending on the food product. The exposure of infants aged 6-12 months of life was estimated at the minimum level in the range from 0.41 to 0.62 µg/kg b.w./day, and at the average level - from 2.10 to 4.32 µg/kg b.w./day. For the worst case scenario the exposure ranged from 7.47 to 12.35 µg/kg b.w./day and was more than a dozen times and even several dozen times higher than the exposure estimated for the total Polish population.