Comparative analysis of electrolyte and essential trace elemental contents in cow and buffalo’s raw milk versus processed/pasteurized milk: Implications for estimated daily intake

In this study, the elemental composition of twenty-one different brands of processed milk (PM) consumed in Pakistan was compared to raw milk samples from cows and buffalo. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer was used to measure electrolyte, calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and essential trace elements like iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and selenium (Se) following acid digestion. The elemental profiles of buffalo's raw milk revealed mean values for Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn of 1198, 457, 827, 89.2, 0.83, 4.51, and 0.9 mg/kg, whereas Cu, Se, and Cr had mean values of 32.7, 38.6, and 23.6 μg/kg, respectively. In comparison to processed packaged milk samples, the Ca, K, Na, and Mg levels in raw milk samples from cows and buffalo were sometimes two to three times higher (p < 0.01). However, compared to raw cow and buffalo milk samples, processed milk exhibited higher iron concentrations; this could be due to fortifications or the impact of industrial storage equipment (p>0.05). For adults (≥60 years old) and children (10–12 years old) who consumed 250 g of milk, estimated daily intake (EDI) was computed. The results demonstrated that raw milk contributed a higher percentage (%) of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of essential elements, such as calcium and selenium, whereas processed milk delivered more iron, up to 8% of its RDA values for various age groups. According to a localized dietary survey, buffalo milk is the main food consumed by the selected population. The study highlights the significant nutritional variations in electrolytes and key trace elemental concentrations through the consumption of packed/processed cow and buffalo milk samples, as well as the impact of their consumption on public health. However, nutritional planning for all age groups may benefit from these findings. • Raw cow and buffalo milk had 2-3 times more Ca, Mg, and K than processed milk. • Packed milk showed higher Fe levels, likely due to industrial fortification. • Estimated Daily Intake values showed raw milk met RDA more effectively. • Buffalo milk was most consumed and delivered superior mineral nutrition.