Analysis of the Elemental Composition of Milk Formulae: Impact on the Nutritional Status of Infants From Birth to 1 Year of Age

Inappropriate concentrations of elements in infant formulae may lead to adverse health effects, so this study was designed to determine the concentration of selected basic (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) and toxic or potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Sn, and Ni) in formulae for infants from birth to 12 months currently available on the Polish market. The concentrations of these elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of elements was calculated. The concentrations of most analyzed elements in formulae were in good agreement with the recommended EU limits, except for Cu (median 72 µg/100 kcal, range 0 - 338 µg/100 kcal) and K (155 µg/100 kcal, 103 - 316 µg/100 kcal) in some formulae did not meet the guidelines for minimum and maximum levels. Additionally, there were large differences in Mn concentrations between the various formulae (range 1 - 91 µg/100 kcal). The Ni EDI exceeded 4.3 µg in some formulae, which EFSA established as the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for eczematous skin reactions. Therefore, regular monitoring of the composition of formulae for infants is recommended.