Determination of element concentrations in commercial infant formulas using atomic absorption spectrometry

The presence of heavy metals, inadequate minerals and elements in infant foods is of great concern. In this study, the heavy metals aluminum (Al) and lead (Pb), essential elements such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), and minerals such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in five different brands of 20 infant formula samples obtained from pharmacies and supermarkets in Malatya, Turkey. The Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has set the maximum concentration levels of heavy metals in infant formula and levels of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of these metals by infants. The levels of Al and Pb in the analyzed samples were found to be under legal limits. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of the essential elements and minerals were found within normal and permissible ranges, showing that the formulas are safe for infants.