Enteral nutrition formulas: Analysis of phthalate esters and deterministic assessment of health risks

Abstract

This study examined phthalate esters (PAEs) in pediatric enteral formula (PEF) samples in Turkey and their potential impact on consumers. Among the various types and forms of PEF sample, Type 5 had the highest total concentration of PAEs (71.52 µg/kg) for polimeric (PC) formulas, followed by Type 1 (60.33 µg/kg) for oligomeric (OC) formulas, and Type 1 (55.05 µg/kg) for monomeric (MC) formulas. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of PAEs among the different types of PEF samples (p > 0.05). The ranking of PEF samples based on their total PAEs levels was as follows: MC (54.94 µg/kg)> OC (54.05 µg/kg)> PC (53.32 µg/kg). DEHP, DINP, DNOP and DEP were the most abundant PAEs. Health risk assessments the carcinogenic risk associated with DEHP was determined to be at an acceptable cancer risk level (Grade: B) for all age and gender groups. Additionally, the dietary intake levels of each PAEs, including DEHP, DINP, DEP, and DBP, were found to be below the values established by the European Food Safety Authority for tolerable daily intake. Continuous monitoring and regulation are crucial to ensure PEF safety and reduce PAEs exposure risks.