Estimating daily intakes of toxic metals and essential elements from infant formula, gruel, porridge and ready-to-eat baby food.

Abstract

The commercial production of infant food is undergoing rapid development, but control is limited. This study measured several toxic and essential elements in 77 food products intended for infants (<1 year). Concentrations of toxic metals in infant formulas were generally low, but cadmium and cobalt were higher than in breast milk, as were iron, manganese and selenium concentrations. Elevated arsenic in a rice-based dairy- and gluten-free porridge (3.2 μg/portion) and cadmium in some porridges (∼1 μg/portion) raise concern. Further, manganese in gruels and porridges with ∼1 mg/portion (not fortified), and even formulas (∼0.1 mg/portion; fortified) reached concerning exposure levels, especially if mixed with water containing manganese. Estimated intake of inorganic arsenic (median 1.7 μg/day, excluding fish) and cadmium (median 3.4 μg/day) from mixed foods at 9 months of age exceeded health-based guidance values. Continued control of contaminants and additives in infant food and evaluation of related health risks are warranted.