Estimated daily intake and health risk assessment of toxic elements in infant formulas

In this study, the heavy metal (Al, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Pb and Hg) concentrations were determined in a total of seventy-two infant formula samples manufactured by sixteen different brands in Türkiye. During the analyses, inductively coupled plasma MS was used in evaluating the nutritional profile and the toxicological risk associated with the consumption of these products. Given the analysis results, the highest Pb content was found in milk-based 'beginner' formulas (0-6 months, three samples) packed in metal containers. The highest concentration of Mn was found in powdered infant formula (Brand 3) that is suitable for 9-12-month-olds. Mn level was found to be above the limit values in nine samples (12·5 %). Cd level exceeded the limit values in two infant formula samples of Brand 3 (0·038 µg/g) and Brand 15 (0·023 µg/g). Therefore, the mean Cd concentration found here reaches the maximum limit set by the European Union commission legislation. Cu was detected in all infant formulas. The highest concentration was determined in Brand 1 (9-12 months, seven samples) and found to be 2·637 (sd 1·928) µg/g. This value is much higher than the reference values set in the national and international standards. Based on the results achieved here, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient values for all the metals in infant formulas were found lower than < 1. These findings suggest that the baby foods examined would not pose any health risk. The daily intakes exceeding the baby nutrition values recommended by the WHO would pose health risk since they would exceed the EDI levels.