Related Experiment Videos
Proximate and elemental analysis of infant formula
Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Infant formula products from 1981 were analyzed for nutrient content, comparing results to label declarations and pediatric guidelines. Most formulas met standards, with no significant public health concerns identified.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Food Safety Analysis
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Infant formula is a critical source of nutrition for infants unable to breastfeed.
- Ensuring infant formula composition meets established nutritional standards is vital for infant health and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nutritional composition of infant formula products available in Fiscal Year 1981.
- To compare analytical findings against label declarations and the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Nutrition (CON/AAP) guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Proximate analyses (protein, fat, ash, moisture) using AOAC methods.
- Elemental analyses (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Na, K, Cl) via ICP-AES and potentiometric titration.
- Determination of osmolality, density, fatty acids (linoleic), carbohydrates (by difference), and caloric content (Atwater factors).
Main Results:
- Comprehensive nutrient analysis of infant formula products was conducted.
- Results were compared to label claims and CON/AAP minimum-maximum limits.
- Most products met or exceeded label claims and CON/AAP requirements.
Conclusions:
- The majority of infant formulas analyzed met established nutritional standards.
- Minor deviations from label claims or CON/AAP requirements were observed but were not deemed of public health significance.
- The study supports the general safety and adequacy of infant formulas during the surveyed period.