The contribution of infant formula to the food survey-based dietary exposure of nine selected elements

Infants and toddlers are exposed to environmental contaminants and elements also via food. Due to its high proportion in young children’s diet, infant formula can contribute significantly to exposure. The present study describes the exposure to contaminants and elements such as inorganic arsenic (iAs), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) via formula consumption and classifies total dietary exposure in children aged 0.5-3 years in Germany. The assessment of long-term dietary exposure was based on data from the first total diet study (TDS) in Germany, the BfR MEAL Study, and the nutrition survey KiESEL. Results were compared to existing health-based guidance values (HBGV) or the margin of exposure (MoE) approach was used. The exposure of Cr, Ni, and Se was well below the corresponding HBGV. No HBGV was established for Hg, so the results were transformed into inorganic Hg. The Mn and Zn exposures were close to the HBGV in the 95th percentile and the MoE for Pb exposure was close to one. The MoE for iAs was below one for all children, and Cd levels exceeded the HBGV for about 30% of infants and toddlers. These results can support risk managers in continuing and prioritizing reduction strategies to reduce the levels of contaminants in food. Exposure to contaminants, particularly Mn, Zn, Pb, iAs, and Cd, through formula consumption should be further monitored.