Baral, Kedar

Abstract

A growing body of mainly cross-sectional evidence suggests an association between mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin exposure, and poor linear growth in children. We describe the design and methods of a rigorous longitudinal birth cohort study aimed to deepen our understanding of this hypothesized relationship and to validate dried blood spots as a less invasive, low-cost collection method for venous blood samples. The AflaCohort study was conducted in Banke district of Nepal from 2015 to 2019.

Background

Aflatoxins are found in diverse foods widely consumed worldwide. This study investigated the association between aflatoxin exposure and (a) consumption of specific foods, (b) dietary diversity (DD), and (c) seasonality.

This study used maternal and newborn data from the AflaCohort Study, an ongoing birth cohort study in Banke, Nepal (n = 1621). Data on aflatoxin B1(AFB1)-lysine adducts in maternal serum were collected once during pregnancy (at mean ± SD: 136 ± 43 d of gestation). Maternal serum AFB1-lysine adduct concentration was measured via HPLC.

This poster shows data supporting the relationship between maize and groundnut consumption and aflatoxin levels in Nepalese women eating a rice-dominated diet.

This poster draws on data from a longitudinal birth cohort study conducted in Banke, and addresses food restrictions based on household data. Presented at the 5th Annual Scientific Symposium in Kathmandu, Nepal.

This poster details evidence gathered from a multi-year assessment of institutional/ individual collaboration and commitment to nutrition governance at sub-national levels in Nepal.

This poster examines different factors associated with mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) in pregnant women in Banke, Nepal. Data was taken from a longitudinal observation birth cohort study. Presented at Experimental Biology in 2017.

This poster examines different factors associated with anemia in pregnant women in Banke, Nepal. Data comes from a longitudinal birth cohort study. Presented at Experimental Biology in 2017.

This poster details aflatoxin rates, control practices, and prevention practices in Banke, Nepal. Presented at Experimental Biology in 2017.