Essential and Toxic Metals in Infant Formula from the European Community

  1. Alejandro Domínguez
  2. Soraya Paz 1
  3. Carmen Rubio 1
  4. Ángel Gutiérrez 1
  5. Dailos González-Weller 1
  6. Consuelo Revert 1
  7. Arturo Hardisson 1
  1. 1 Universidad de La Laguna
    info

    Universidad de La Laguna

    San Cristobal de La Laguna, España

    ROR https://ror.org/01r9z8p25

Revista:
Open Access Journal of Toxicology

ISSN: 2474-7599

Año de publicación: 2017

Volumen: 2

Número: 2

Tipo: Artículo

DOI: 10.19080/OAJT.2017.02.555585 GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openAcceso abierto editor

Otras publicaciones en: Open Access Journal of Toxicology

Objetivos de desarrollo sostenible

Resumen

Infant formulas are intended for children aged 6 - 12 months who, for one reason or another, cannot be breastfed by their mother. These products are made to meet the nutritional needs of children and are therefore, required to be a source of essential metals. However, they may also contain non-essential and toxic metals from the raw material which they are made with and this may be a health risk to children. For this reason, the content of 19 metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, B, Ba, Ni, Li, V, Sr, Mo, Mn, Al, Cd, and Pb) were determined in a total of 30 infant formula samples from 15 different brands using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission optical spectroscopy (ICP-OES) with the objective of evaluating the nutritional profile and the toxicological risk derived from the consumption of these products. Ca was the major macroelement with a mean concentration of 4544mg/kg wet weight. As regards trace elements, Fe stands out (55.9mg/kg ww). The mean concentration found for Pb (0.07mg/kg ww) exceeds the maximum limit established in European legislation. The analyzed formulas cover the daily requirements of almost all essential elements. The intake of Pb from the consumption recommended by the manufacturer’s means that lead contributes 233% of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI). Infant formulas meet the children’s nutritional needs, although the concentration of Pb may pose a risk to children’s health.

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