Infant Formula Samples Research Articles

Simultaneous Analysis of Iodine and Bromine Species in Infant Formula using HPLC-ICP-MS.

Background: A fast and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of iodine and bromine species in infant formula was developed using HPLC-inductively coupled plasma-MS (HPLC-ICP-MS). Method: To determine the four halogen species [iodide (I-), iodate <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mo>(</mml:mo><mml:mrow><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">IO</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn><mml:mo>-</mml:mo></mml:msubsup></mml:mrow><mml:mo>)</mml:mo></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula>, bromide (Br-), and bromate <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mo>(</mml:mo><mml:mrow><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">BrO</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn><mml:mo>-</mml:mo></mml:msubsup></mml:mrow><mml:mo>)</mml:mo></mml:mrow></mml:math></inline-formula>] in a milk-based Standard Reference Material and four commercially available infant formula products. Results: The four halogen species were baseline separated in less than 6.5 min using an anion exchange resin column and 5.0 mM NaH₂PO₄ / 15.0 mM Na₂SO₄ / 5.0 mM EDTA (pH 7.0) mobile phase. Following separation, the halogen species were detected by measuring m/z 79 for Br and m/z 127 for I using a triple quadrupole-ICP-MS. The instrument was operated in single quadrupole mode with helium cell gas. Excellent linearity (R = 0.9999 or better) was obtained for all four species with calibration standards ranging from 0 to 100 ppb. The LOD for I-, <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">IO</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn><mml:mo>-</mml:mo></mml:msubsup></mml:math></inline-formula>, Br-, and <inline-formula><mml:math display="inline"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">BrO</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn><mml:mo>-</mml:mo></mml:msubsup></mml:math></inline-formula> were all less than 0.67 μg/kg. To test the suitability of the method for the accurate determination of low concentrations of the four species in infant formula samples, a spike recovery test was carried out at 20 and 40 μg/kg into the diluted infant formula samples. Conclusions: Total elemental determinations of iodine and bromine were also performed using the triple quadrupole-ICP-MS without HPLC.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in infant formulae, follow-on formulae, and baby foods in Iran: An assessment of risk

Twenty-seven samples of infant formulae and follow-on formulae and fifteen samples of baby food from Iranian markets were analyzed for concentrations of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH4) determined by use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry. An assessment of risks posed to infants and toddlers was conducted by calculating the margin of exposure and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) by use of the Monte Carlo Simulation Method. Benzo (a) anthracene, was not detected in any of the samples, while approximately 64.3% samples contained detectable amounts of benzo (a) pyrene, while chrysene was observed in three samples and benzo (b) fluoranthene was detected in one sample. One of the samples contained 1.43 μg PAH4/kg, which was greater than the maximum tolerable limit (MTL; 1 μg/kg) stated in Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1125. Accordingly, the 95% ILCRs in the infants/toddlers due to ingestion of milk powder and baby foods were determined to be 1.3 × 10−6 and 7.3 × 10−7, respectively. Also, the 95th centiles of the MOEs, due to ingesting milk powder or baby foods by infants/toddlers were estimated to be 3.6 × 104 and 7.2 × 104, respectively. In Iran, infants and toddlers are not at serious health risk (MOE ≥ 1 × 104 and ILCR < 1 × 10−4).

Aflatoxin M1 and ochratoxin A in baby formulae marketed in Lebanon: Occurrence and safety evaluation

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are hepatotoxin and nephrotoxin mycotoxins, respectively. An investigation on their presence in baby formulae marketed in Lebanon was conducted. Infant formula samples were collected from 42 brands over two production dates (n = 84) during 2017–2018 and analyzed for AFM1 and OTA using competitive-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mean (±standard deviation) of AFM1 and OTA concentrations were determined to be 20.1 ± 1.3 ng/kg and 0.37 ± 0.10 μg/kg, respectively. In terms of AFM1, level of contamination ranged between not detected and 48.1 ng/L; 13 (31%) brands had an average level above the European Commission (EC) limit. With respect to OTA, contamination level ranged between not detected and 0.96 μg/kg; 14 (33%) brands had an average level above the EC limit. Five (12%) brands had both AFM1 and OTA levels above EC limits. Differences in the contamination level in each brand vs. average of all others, between production dates, and between seasons were assessed. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in AFM1 and OTA levels among 37 (88%) and 14 (33%) brands, respectively, compared to the average of all others. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference between production dates for AFM1, but not for OTA. No significant (p < 0.05) difference was found between fall/winter and spring/summer for both mycotoxins. This study is the first-of-its-kind concerning the safety assessment of infant formulas regarding mycotoxins in Lebanon.

Extracting endocrine disrupting compounds from infant formula using supercritical carbon dioxide

The extraction of the endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) from infant formula using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was successfully achieved. These compounds are regarded as the most frequent EDCs in food. The highest extraction in a spiked sample (2 μg/g added of each compound) was 1.8 ± 0.20, 0.5 ± 0.08 and 0.6 ± 0.08 μg/g for DEHP, 4-NP and BPA, respectively, at 400 bar and 85 °C for 40 min using methanol (5% v/v) as a co-solvent. However, only DEHP and BPA were extracted from a commercial infant formula sample in a 2.88 ± 0.24 and 0.07 ± 0.001 μg/g yields, respectively. In contrast, conventional liquid extraction with hexane yielded 1.57 ± 0.06 and 0.40 ± 0.05 μg/g of DEHP and BPA, respectively. Therefore, the use of scCO2 resulted in up to 1.8-fold efficiency increase compared to conventional extraction for DEHP. Our findings may lead to a green separation process using supercritical fluid technology towards DEHP-free infant formula.

Aluminum in infant formulas commercialized in Brazil: Occurrence and exposure assessment

Considering the immaturity of babies’ gastrointestinal system, particularly those of newborn infants, elevated aluminum (Al) concentrations can be toxic, and exposure to this contaminant due to the substitution of breast milk by infant formulae may represent a risk. The main sources of Al contamination in these products include the variability in the raw material (milk or soy), the formula composition, the contamination during processing and the presence of additives or mineral supplements. However, there are few recent reports in the literature on the occurrence of Al in milk-based or soy-based infant formulae. Thus, the aim of the present work was to study the presence of Al in samples of infant formulae acquired on the local market in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil and estimate children exposure to this element. The Al contents were determined using optical emission spectrometry with an inductively coupled plasma source. The results obtained presented maximum values of 1.46, 5.94 and 4.49 mg kg−1 for starter, follow-up and specialized formulae, respectively. As from these data, it was estimated that the consumption of infant formulae (0–6 months) could reach 22.4% of the Al tolerable weekly intake (TWI), whereas a maximum value of 29.4% was observed for children between 12–24 months. The results obtained in this study show that the Al levels in infant formulae could suggest a potential concern for infants, and should therefore be monitored.

In vitro bioaccessibility of added folic acid in commercially available baby foods formulated with milk and milk products.

Milk contains a certain amount of folate binding proteins. The binding capacity varies in acidic conditions and affects the bioavailability of folic acid. Folic acid is commonly added into baby foods to ensure adequate intake of infants. The aim of this study was to determine the bioaccessibility of added folic acid in baby foods formulated with milk and milk products under different gastric pH values by an in vitro digestive system. The bioaccessibility of folic acid ranged between 56-71 and 35-49% in infant formula samples, between 59-78 and 31-67% in cereal-based baby foods, and between 42-67 and 38-57% in follow-on baby milk at gastric pH 1.5 and pH 4, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the bioaccesibility of folic acid that is added to baby food is affected by gastric pH. Therefore, it was observed that the bioaccesibility of folic acid was lower in the higher gastric pH.

Proximate Analysis of Some Selected Infant Formula Sold in Makurdi Metropolis

Infant formula is a synthetic version of mother’s milk and belongs to a class of food materials known as dairy substitutes. This study was designed to evaluate the proximate composition of some selected infant formula sold in Makurdi metropolis. Six (6) different brands of infant formula samples were purchased from the major markets, Wadata market and North bank market Makurdi Benue State, North Central Nigeria. The six different brands comprise of three (3) infant milk formulae and three (3) infant cereal formulae. Samples on some Selected Infant Formulae were analysed in the laboratory for proximate composition and the data were subjected to Analysis of Variance to rank the significant differences in means. There were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) across the selected infant formulae sample for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fate, crude fibre and carbohydrates. The result shows that FRISOGOLD significantly (P&lt;0.05) has the highest moisture content (11.60%) with cowbell having the lowest (2.45%) while the ash content of cowbell was found to be the highest compared to other formulae. In conclusion, the commercial baby food samples (MYBOY, NAN and cowbell) have a low moisture content which suggests an asset as this prolongs the shelf life and also inhibits microbial activity on these products thereby preventing spoilage.

Prenatal Provider Support for Breastfeeding: Changes in Attitudes, Practices and Recommendations Over 22 Years.

Prenatal care providers play a central role in breastfeeding outcomes. A survey on obstetricians' support of breastfeeding was conducted in 1993 in Monroe County, NY. Since the landscape of prenatal care and breastfeeding support has changed significantly in the past 2 decades, we repeated and extended this survey in 2015. To determine changes in breastfeeding support by prenatal care providers over a 20 year period. We sent a 46-item on-line or paper questionnaire to all categories of prenatal care providers identified by an online search. A breastfeeding support score was created based on the prior survey, with a maximum score of 3. One point was awarded for: (1) personally discussing breastfeeding; (2) generally suggesting breastfeeding; and (3) commonly receiving questions from patients. Data were analyzed using Chi-square. We had 164 participants (response rate 80%). More current participants, compared to 1993, reported discussing (97% vs. 86%, p < .001) and recommending (93% vs. 80%, p = .001) breastfeeding. Only 10% of 2015 participants gave infant formula samples, compared with 34% in 1993 (p < .0001). Improvement in the support score was seen, with 98% of current participants having high scores compared to 87% in 1993 (p < .001). Similar numbers reported receiving breastfeeding education, though more reported that the education was inadequate (54% vs. 19%, p < .0001). Breastfeeding support improved significantly over time, even though breastfeeding education has not improved in quality or quantity. Improving education of prenatal care providers may help future providers be more prepared to support breastfeeding.

Federal Regulation of Infant and Toddler Food and Drink Marketing and Labeling.

Foods and beverages marketed for infants, babies, and toddlers through 3 years of age is a $7 billion industry in the United States, incorporating a wide range of products, including infant formula and other types of drinks, foods, and snacks. The World Health Organization (“WHO”) found that mothers “are often inundated with incorrect and biased information” from direct advertising, health claims on products, information packs from sales representatives, and the distribution of samples of infant formula and “educational materials” by infant formula manufacturers. To address these problematic practices, in 1981, the WHO established the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the “Code”) to end the inappropriate marketing of infant formula and other food and drinks intended for children up to age two. In 2016, WHO expanded the definition of breastmilk substitutes to include milk and milk products specifically marketed for feeding infants and young children up to age three. However, the United States is one of a minority of countries that has not passed any legislation or regulation to implement the Code. Furthermore, U.S. regulation and enforcement actions have not kept pace with the introduction of new products and product categories and the profusion of labeling and marketing claims questionably implying nutritional and developmental benefits from these products.

Fast Sequential Determination of Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, and K in Infant Formulas by High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

In this work, an analytical procedure based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was developed for the fast sequential determination of six elements (Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, and K) in infant formulas using high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS F AAS). The analytes extraction was performed using HNO3 2.1 mol L−1 and 10 min of sonication time at 80 °C. The limits of detection obtained were 12, 13, 0.48, 96, 137, and 14 mg kg−1 for Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, and K, respectively. The analysis of a certified reference material of non-fat milk powder (SRM 1549) and infant formula samples after microwave digestion confirmed the trueness of the developed method. Thus, the UAE procedure was employed in order to determine these six elements and their concentration in six infant formulas and their content (in mg kg−1) ranged between 64 and 431 for Zn, 64–370 for Fe, 420–2421 for Mg, 1145–8547 for Na, 750–14,491 for K, and 2827–11,340 for Ca.

Osmolality analysis of human milk and an infant formula with modified viscosity for use in infants with dysphagia

ABSTRACT Purpose: to evaluate the effects of a thickening agent on the osmolality of human milk and on an infant formula, with respect to concentration and time. Methods: six trials were performed to evaluate the osmolality of a natural and thickened infant formula, raw human milk, and pasteurized human milk. Rice cereal was used as a thickening agent (at concentrations of 2%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). Osmolality was measured using the Advanced Micro Osmometer Model 3300 after sample preparation periods of 0-60 minutes. Statistical evaluations were performed using ANOVA. Results: pasteurized human milk exhibited time- and concentration-dependent variation in osmolality. The osmolality of raw human milk differed among time points and between the samples with 5% and 7%, when compared to the non-thickened milk. The infant formula did not show differences in osmolality with respect to time. At time zero, there were differences in osmolality between the infant formula samples with 2%, 3%, and 5% thickener. At other time points, there were differences in osmolality between the sample with a 5% thickener and the non-thickened formula. Conclusion: the osmolality of diets varied over time and according to the concentration of thickener in human milk and the infant formula. However, the observed variation remained within the recommended parameters, indicating that rice cereal is a safe thickener for the feeding of infants presented with mild or moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Early-life intake of major trace elements, bisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A and fatty acids: Comparing human milk and commercial infant formulas

In the present study, the presence of a wide spectrum of major and trace elements (As, Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sr, Sb, Se, Sn, Pb, V, and Zn), fatty acids, as well as some pollutants like free and total BPA and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), was analysed in human milk (n = 53) and infant formula (n = 50) samples. In addition, the infant exposure to these chemicals was assessed. The content of free BPA and several elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sn, Sr, and Zn) was higher (p < 0.01) in infant formula samples. Furthermore, human milk contained levels of BPA and elements that, in almost all cases, were well below their respective EFSA and/or WHO thresholds, being also independent of the maternal characteristics (e.g., age, BMI or breastfeeding period). The fatty acid profiling also revealed major differences between human milk and infant formulas, which should be taken in account in the development of new formulas as well as in specific recommendations for the diet of breastfeeding mothers. Anyway, the results of this study reinforce that breastfeeding should be always the first feeding option in early life.

Molecular detection of Enterobacter spp. and other related species in powdered milk infant formula and milk powder

AbstractA total of 60 powdered milk infant formula and milk powder samples were obtained from different localities in Qena Governorate, Egypt, to be evaluated for presence of Enterobacter and closely related species using FDA procedure. Ten out of 60 samples were contaminated with Enterobacter spp. and other Enterobacteriaceae. The obtained isolates were biochemically identified as Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp. Further characterization was performed using 16S rRNA sequence analysis; it was a pivotal to confirm the identity of the isolates especially in imprecise identification of phenotypic method in some isolates like Enterobacter hormaechei, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, and Acinetobacter vivianii. Results revealed the contamination of powdered milk infant formula with E. hormaechei which makes it a matter of concern. According to the best of our knowledge, Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella quasipneumonia were isolated for the first time in Egypt. The phylogenetic analysis proved the close relation between our isolates in amplification of partial 16S rRNA gene.Practical applicationsAs many neonates depend on powdered infant formula in their feeding as well as milk powder is a fundamental component of many infants diet, our study evaluated these products for the presence of pathogens of safety concern. This study focused on Enterobacteriaceae family members other than Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii using 16S rRNA gene for identification and differentiation of the closely related species.

Lead and cadmium contamination in a large sample of United States infant formulas and baby foods

Data is limited on lead and cadmium contamination in baby food, a population uniquely susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. The goal of this study was to examine lead and cadmium concentrations in a large convenience sample of US baby foods. We identified the number of baby food product samples that exceeded US FDA and California Proposition 65 limits for daily lead consumption across a range of servings/calories, and the number of samples that exceeded World Health Organization and California Proposition 65 limits for daily cadmium consumption across a range of servings/calories. In total, 564 baby foods were tested across infant and toddler formula, cereals, meals, juices/drinks, jars, pouches, snacks, and electrolyte water. ICP-MS analysis of lead and cadmium was completed using a modified version of EPA method 6020A. Samples were analyzed using kinetic energy distribution mode. Lead was detected in 37% of samples (median = non-detect, 75% = 5.6, maximum = 183.6 μg/kg), and cadmium in 57% (25% = non-detect, median = 2.8, 75% = 9.5, maximum = 103.90 μg/kg). Of 91 infant formula samples, none exceeded FDA lead consumption guidelines in 31 oz, but 22% exceeded the Proposition 65 lead guidelines, 23% exceeded the Proposition 65 cadmium guidelines, and 14% exceeded the WHO tolerable cadmium intake levels for a four-month-old baby. In the solid baby food samples, 1% exceeded FDA lead guidelines in two servings (26% exceeded CA Proposition 65 limits), 3% in 300 cal (34% exceeded CA Proposition 65 limits). For cadmium, 6% exceeded Proposition 65 guidelines in two servings, 8% in 300 cal. There was no association between whether the product was certified organic and its heavy metal concentration. Products containing rice were higher in both lead and cadmium concentrations. Further research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of this chronic daily low level heavy metal exposure in babies.

A Fast and Simple Method for Determination of Vitamin E in Infant Formula by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Combined with HPLC-UV

Developing a simple and fast method for quantification of vitamins in complex matrixes is one of the important issues in quality control of foods such as milk. In this study, after introducing a new method for quantification of vitamin E in infant formula, its content was compared to the label claims. In this study, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) procedure with acetonitrile and chloroform as dispersive and extraction solvents, respectively, was used for isolation and clean-up of vitamin E from infant formula samples without the need for saponification. Then, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) composed of a C18 column as stationary phase and the mixture of acetonitrile, methanol, and water (91:8:1%) as mobile phase using a standard addition method was employed for quantification of vitamin E (α-tocopheryl acetate) with UV detection at 296 nm. After method validation under the optimum conditions, the method provided a linear range with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.99 and acceptable accuracy and precision. Results showed that the developed method is an appropriate method for quality control of infant formulas. The advantage of DLLME compared with saponification process and liquid-liquid extraction is the decrease of organic solvent consumption and proposing of a simple and fast method for analysis of vitamin E in infant formula. Application of the developed method for analysis of vitamin E in infant formulas on the market showed there was a considerable difference between labeled and obtained content in most of the samples.

Occurrence and molecular characterization of different virulence-associated genes of Cronobacter sakazakii isolates from some foods and dust samples

ABSTRACT: Among the Cronobacter genus, Cronobacter sakazakii is the most common species posing a severe health risk for newborns, infants and children. Some infant formulas, cereal-based foods, and food production environments may be the potential reservoirs of C. sakazakii. This pathogen possesses different virulence factors encoded by different virulence genes. Therefore, characterizing these genes is important for distinguishing pathogenic strains from nonpathogenic ones. The objective of this study was to characterize some virulence genes [OmpA, OmpX, zpx, and Cpa] by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in C. sakazakii isolates from a total of 120 samples (20 each of milk powder, starch, rice flour, semolina, infant formula and dust samples from food production environments). Overall, 13 isolates (7 from milk powder, 2 rice flour, 1 semolina, and 3 dust) were cultured, identified by bioMérieux API® 20E test kit, and then subjected to real-time PCR application for screening the target virulence-associated genes. Our results showed that all of 13 isolates were positive for the virulence genes OmpA, OmpX, zpx, and Cpa. In summary, our study revealed that some of the analyzed foods and environmental samples were contaminated with pathogenic C. sakazakii with its virulence-associated markers, far above the allowable limit; and therefore, this level of contamination may pose a severe health threat for newborns, infants, and children.

Real-Time Analysis of Potassium in Infant Formula Powder by Data-Driven Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.

Potassium represents one of the most crucial minerals in infant formula that supports healthy growth and development of infants. Here, a novel strategy for the real-time quantification of potassium in infant formula samples is introduced. Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in a data-driven approach, a modified random frog algorithm (MRFA) is adopted in a higher-density discrete wavelet transform (HDWT) domain for the selection of the most important features related to potassium, which is named as DD-LIBS. In DD-LIBS, the HDWT oversamples the LIBS signals in both time and frequency domains by a factor of two, enhancing the spectral expandability in an approximately shift-invariant way. The MRFA is thus capable of isolating the features of potassium with experience accumulated from the collected LIBS data. Such pretreatment combined with a partial least squared (PLS) model can significantly suppress the uncontrolled shift and broadening effects on multivariate calibration, improving the capability of LIBS for accurate quantification of potassium. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of DD-LIBS for the quantification of potassium content of 90 commercial infant formula samples. A satisfactory result illustrates DD-LIBS as a feasible tool for real-time analysis of potassium content with little sample preparation. This strategy may be well extended to other element detection in the presence of uncontrolled interference.

Improvement of Versatility and Analytical Range of AOAC Official Method 2015.06 for Selenium.

AOAC Official Method 2015.06 is not applicable for infant formula without selenium addition because of lack of sensitivity. In addition, Method 2015.06 specifies hydrogen gas as the cell gas of inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS instruments. There are only a few manufacturers who have formally adopted hydrogen gas. To expand the applicability of Method 2015.06 for infant formulas with lower selenium content and for ICP-MS instruments that do not use hydrogen gas as the cell gas, we modified the conditions of Method 2015.06. The results exhibited a good linearity (coefficient of determination >0.999) when the range of standard concentration was set from 0.4 to 16.0 μg/L and the cell gas was replaced with helium gas. The measurement precision was improved to an intermediate precision RSD value of 3.49%, and the recovery factor was 103.1%. This study demonstrates that helium gas can be used as the cell gas (easing restrictions in selecting an ICP-MS instrument) and expands the applicability of this method to infant formula samples with lower selenium content by modifying the sample preparation method.

Determinations of Melamine Residue in Infant Formula Brands Available in Iran Market Using by HPLC Method.

The contamination of melamine was evaluated in 69 infants along with follow up formula samples collected from the market for the first time in Iran using HPLC method. Since there are no previous data concerning the contamination level of melamine in all brands of infant formula samples consumed using the HPLC method in Iran, this study is the first investigation in this regard. Our results showed that melamine contamination was found in 65% of samples, where mean and maximum levels of melamine were 0.73 ± 0.71 mg/kg and 3.63 mg/kg, respectively. The level of melamine in 10 out of 69 samples was higher than the maximum level set by the Codex Alimentarius in infant food (1 mg/kg). Melamine was determined in 67.8% and 50% of domestic and imported samples, respectively. The estimated daily intake was designed in two scenarios: it was calculated based on the mean level of melamine contamination and maximum level of melamine in the samples. In both scenarios, our results showed that melamine intake across all age groups is lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.2 mg/kg body weight, suggested by WHO (0.2 mg/kg body weight). Thus, it seems that the current levels of melamine in infant and follow up formula purchased in Iran pose no health risk for infants.

DETERMINATION OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID IN INFANT FORMULAS WITH GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

Objective: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important for the development of infant’s nervous and visual system because it is a major fatty acid in brain and retina phospholipids. However, the benefit of adding DHA in infant formulas is still controversial. The over intake of DHA should be considered because of its side effect. The aim of this study was to get a valid analysis method of DHA using gas chromatography (GC) to determine the concentration of DHA in infant formula.Method: The milk fat was extracted in chloroform-methanol (1:2), continued with methylated in methanol-toluene (4:1) with acetyl chloride, and finally, injected to GC.Result: The GC conditions were as follows: Injector temperature was 230°C, detector temperature was 250°C, oven temperature was programmed to increase from 130°C to 230°C by 2°C/min and held for 20 min, helium flow rate was 2.00 ml/min, and split ratio was 1:3. This method had passed the precision and recovery evaluation. The result of DHA determination in five infant formula samples was 27.49±0.62 mg/100 g, 31.14±0.43 mg/100 g, 11.83±0.38 mg/100 g, 19.34±0.58 mg/100 g, and 45.87±0.42 mg/100 g.Conclusion: The method was valid and successfully applied to determine of DHA in infant formula.