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MACROMINERALS AND TRACE MINERALS IN COMMERCIAL INFANT FORMULAS MARKETED IN BRAZIL: COMPLIANCE WITH ESTABLISHED MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM REQUIREMENTS, LABEL STATEMENTS, AND ESTIMATED DAILY INTAKE
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Abstract
Infant formulas are the main nutritional source for infants when breastfeeding is not
possible or recommended. The daily need for specific nutrients, such as essential
minerals, in early stages of a child’s life is high because of rapid infant growth and
development, which impose metabolic flux increases on these pathways to support
growth, physical activity, and defense against infections. In this context, this research
aimed to determine macromineral and trace mineral contents in starting (phase 1) and
follow-up (phase 2) infant formulas marketed in Brazil (n = 30) by inductively coupled
plasma-mass spectrometry, calculate estimated daily intakes, and compare them to
reference values regarding adequate intake and tolerable upper intake levels. The highest
concentrations of macrominerals were observed in Ca, K, P, and Na, and trace minerals
in Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu. Certain homogeneity only to trace mineral contents was observed
when analyzing inter-batch values from same manufacturers. In general, all phase 1
and phase 2 infant formula brands and batches met or exceeded Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, and
Se contents when compared to maximum limits established by Codex Alimentarius. In
addition, Zn contents in eight phase 1 and in four phase 2 infant formulas were above the
contents established by the tolerable upper intake level for children aged 0–6 and/or 7–12
months, respectively. These findings highlight the need to expand regular infant formula inspection concerning nutritional quality, as some composition aspects of these foods
must be improved to follow international guidelines, since ideal requirements for infant
formula composition, quality, and safety interfere in child development and adult health.
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