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Modified Baby Milk-Bioelements Composition and Toxic Elements Contamination.
Agnieszka Maruszewska1,2, Wojciech Żwierełło3, Marta Skórka-Majewicz3
1Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c St., 71-412 Szczecin, Poland.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 24, 2021
Summary
Analysis of 18 infant formulas in Poland revealed significant discrepancies in essential elements like phosphorus and manganese, with some exceeding recommended daily intake. Toxic elements were also detected, raising health concerns for infant nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Breast milk is ideal for infant development, but artificial formulas are common substitutes.
- Assessing the elemental composition and safety of infant formulas is crucial for child health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze essential and toxic elemental content in 18 infant formulas available in Poland.
- To estimate the daily nutrient and contaminant supply from these formulas.
- To compare elemental content with declared values and regulatory standards.
Main Methods:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used for elemental analysis.
- Quantification of essential elements (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and toxic elements (Ni, Pb, Sr, Li, In).
- Estimation of daily supply and comparison with established nutritional guidelines and EU directives.
Main Results:
- All tested essential elements were present, but phosphorus (P) and manganese (Mn) content significantly deviated from declared values.
- Phosphorus levels exceeded EU norms by 5.23-18.80 times in some formulas.
- Daily intake of P, Fe, and Mn exceeded adequate intake levels in certain formula types (e.g., first and hypoallergenic).
- Toxic elements including lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), lithium (Li), and indium (In) were detected in nearly all products.
Conclusions:
- Significant discrepancies exist between declared and actual elemental composition in infant formulas.
- Some formulas provide excessive daily supply of essential elements like phosphorus.
- Contamination with toxic elements is a concern in commercially available infant formulas.
- Findings highlight potential health risks associated with infant formula consumption and underscore the need for stringent quality control.
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