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Title: |
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Acute Renal Failure from Adulteration of Milk with Melamine |
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Authors: |
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Yang, Vincent L.; Batlle, Daniel |
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Journal: |
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TheScientificWorldJOURNAL |
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Year: |
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2008 |
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Volume: |
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8 |
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Page Range: |
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974-975 |
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Article Type: |
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Editorial |
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Handling Editor: |
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Graham V Lees |
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Domains: |
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Nephrology
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Toxicology
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Nutrition
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Analytical Chemistry
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DOI: |
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10.1100/tsw.2008.137 |
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Synopsis: |
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Recently, four deaths, 50,000 illnesses, and 12,000 hospitalizations from presumed exposure to melamine in infant formula have been reported in China. While there are very few data on the nephrotoxic effects of melamine in humans, studies on animals have shown that melamine, in particular in combination with cyanuric acid, causes deposition and precipitation of birefringent crystals thereby causing renal failure. This has prompted the FDA to revisit their stance on melamine and has led to the development of standard protocols to test for melamine and cyanuric acid in infant formula. |
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Keywords: |
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melamine, cyanuric acid, nephrotoxicity, contaminated food, FDA, milk, China |
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Abstract |
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Recently, four deaths from presumed exposure to melamine, a material typically used in plastic manufacturing, in infant formula have been reported in China. Moreover, 50,000 illnesses resulting in about 12,000 hospitalizations have occurred. To date, there are very few data on the nephrotoxic effects of melamine in humans. Studies on animals have shown that melamine, in particular in combination with cyanuric acid, causes deposition and precipitation of birefringent crystals thereby causing renal failure. The motive for the contamination of milk and powdered formula has been thought to be the high nitrogen content of melamine that, when added to formula, allows for dilution with water while maintaining the same apparent protein concentration. This has prompted the FDA to revisit their stance on melamine and has led to the development of standard protocols to test for melamine and cyanuric acid in infant formula. As we await more information from the unfortunate cases in China to elicit the mechanism of renal failure in humans and the extent of this problem, we must continue our safeguards on all our imports from countries with less regulation and more lax standards. |
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| Comments Received |
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sort comments by: [date posted]
[author name]
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thomas clagett
Posted 11th March 2009 |
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for graduate school...public health |
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Sang Ju Lee
Posted 7th December 2008 |
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I am nephrologist in south Korea. |
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