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Determination of Aluminum, Chromium, and Barium Concentrations in Infant Formula Marketed in Lebanon
Jomana Elaridi1, Hani Dimassi2, Maria Estephan1
1Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4215-6815 [H.F.H.]).
Insights
Toxic metals like aluminum, barium, and chromium were found in all infant formulas in Lebanon. Concentrations varied significantly between production dates and formula types, highlighting the need for regular monitoring of infant nutrition products.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Food Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Infant formula is a critical nutritional source for infants and toddlers.
- Contaminants, including toxic metals, in infant formula can pose significant health risks.
- Limited data exists on metal contamination in infant formulas available in Lebanon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the total concentrations of aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), and chromium (Cr) in infant formulas marketed in Lebanon.
- To assess variations in metal concentrations based on brand, production date, and formula type.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 78 powdered infant formula samples (39 brands) from the Lebanese market.
- Analysis of samples for Al, Ba, and Cr using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Statistical analysis to compare metal concentrations across different brands, production dates, and formula types.
Main Results:
- All analyzed infant formulas contained detectable levels of aluminum (Al) and barium (Ba); chromium (Cr) was detected in 95% of samples.
- Significant differences in mean metal concentrations were observed between two production dates for the same brand in a high percentage of samples (Al: 92%, Ba: 59%, Cr: 83%).
- Soy-based formulas showed significantly higher mean Al concentrations compared to milk-based and corn-based formulas (P = 0.018).
- Chromium (Cr) concentrations were significantly higher in continuation special formulations than in beginner formulations (P = 0.008).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first public data on metal contamination in Lebanese infant formulas.
- The findings indicate a need for frequent monitoring and surveillance of infant formula products to ensure infant safety.
- Variability in metal content underscores the importance of quality control in infant formula production.
Abstract:
Infant formula is a major nutritional component for many infants and toddlers. However, the presence of contaminants, such as toxic metals, may pose increased health risks to infants. An investigation of the total concentrations of the metals aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), and chromium (Cr) in infant formulae marketed in Lebanon was performed. Powdered dairy and nondairy infant formula samples were collected from all commercially available brands (n = 39) in the Lebanese market on two production dates (78 samples in total) and analyzed for these three metals with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All brands contained detectable concentrations of Al and Ba, Cr was detected in 95% of brands. Mean (±standard deviation) concentrations of the metals were estimated as 1.54 ± 1.43 (Al), 0.256 ± 0.593 (Ba), and 0.168 ± 0.143 (Cr) (μg/g). The concentration ranges in the powdered formula were 0.080 to 7.93 (Al), 0.038 to 5.35 (Ba), and 0.041 to 0.348 (Cr) μg/g. A significant difference in the mean concentrations of Al, Ba, and Cr for the two production dates of a single brand was observed in 92, 59, and 83% of samples, respectively. The mean concentration of Al in the soy-based formula was significantly higher than that of aluminum in milk-based and corn-based formulas (P = 0.018). Cr concentrations in the continuation special formulations were significantly higher than those in the beginner formulations (P = 0.008). Our study provides the first publicly available information on metal contamination in infant formulas in Lebanon and reveals the need for frequent monitoring and surveillance of these products intended for infant consumption.
