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Determination of toxic elements in infant formulae by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer

Tasneem G Kazi1, Nusrat Jalbani, Jameel A Baig

  • 1National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan. tgkazi@yahoo.com

Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
|March 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Toxic elements like aluminum, cadmium, and lead were measured in infant formulas. While soy-based formulas had higher levels, infant intake remained below safe limits.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Food Safety

Background:

  • Infant formulas are a primary nutrition source for infants.
  • Contamination of infant formula with toxic elements is a public health concern.
  • Assessing toxic element intake is crucial for infant health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify aluminum, cadmium, and lead in imported infant milk-based and soy-based formulas.
  • To evaluate infant exposure to these toxic elements through formula consumption.
  • To compare toxic element concentrations between milk-based and soy-based infant formulas.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of toxic elements (Al, Cd, Pb) using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.
  • Microwave-induced acid digestion for sample preparation.
  • Method validation through certified reference material and standard addition.

Main Results:

  • Aluminum, cadmium, and lead were detected in all analyzed infant formulas.
  • Soy-based infant formulas exhibited higher concentrations of these toxic elements compared to milk-based formulas.
  • Detected ranges: Al (1070-2170 µg/kg), Cd (10.5-34.4 µg/kg), Pb (28.7-119 µg/kg).

Conclusions:

  • Estimated infant intake of aluminum, cadmium, and lead from milk formulas is below tolerable weekly intake levels.
  • Current infant formula products appear safe concerning the studied toxic elements.
  • Monitoring toxic element levels in infant nutrition remains important for ensuring safety.

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