Determination of Pb, Cd, Al, Zn and Ca in infant formula and baby foods in Iran and estimation of daily infant intake of these metals

Despite the proven superiority of breast milk، many infants worldwide are partially or completely fed infant formula. Metals such as Al، Pb، Cd and Cr+6 are exceptionally toxic for humans، especially for infants. Ca and Zn from nutrients enhance adsorption of Pb and Cd in the gastro-intestinal system when concentrations of Ca and Zn in the diet are poor. This study measured Al، Pb، Cd، Cr+6، Ca and Zn levels in powdered infant formula and baby food in Iran. A total of 60 samples were collected: 45 samples were from 6 brands of infant formula and 15 samples were from 3 types of baby food. Measurement was done using ICP-OES، AA spectroscopy، and spectrophotometry after sample digestion. The results were reported using descriptive statistics. Daily intake was calculated according to the label instructions on the product. The average levels of the metals in the infant formula and food were Al: 1261. 94 and 3189. 2 ng g-1، Cd: 7. 24 and 0. 35 ng g-1، Pb: 49. 40 and 37. 60 ng g-1، Ca: 554. 6 and 521. 3 mg 100 g-1، and Zn: 4. 49 and 3. 93 mg 100 g-1، respectively. The mean concentrations of Al in type 1، type 2 and type 3 were 1266. 9، 1146، and 1483. 9 ng g-1، respectively. The maximum levels observed for Cd in products A1 and E1 were 41. 04 and 33. 16 ng g-1، respectively. The range of Pb in samples was 2. 6 to 137. 4 ng g-1، of Ca was 334 to 826 mg 100 g-1، and of Zn was 3. 15 to 5. 91 mg 100 g-1. Infants aged 0 to 6 mo had the highest daily intake of Al، Pb and Cd. In general، the daily intake of these metals in Iranian children was less than the standard. Calculations showed that products D1، A1 and E2 provided the maximum daily intakes of Al، Cd and Pb، respectively، for children.