Cadmium content in infant formulas. Toxicological evaluation

Abstract

Cadmium content was investigated in infant formulas by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Formulas were distinguished as "beginner", "continuation" and "special infant formulas" the last ones were classified as subtypes "hypoallergenic", "without lactose" "vegetable base" and "others". The mean concentrations of cadmium were 1.97 ± 0.84, 1.86 ± 0.65 and 2.98 ± 2.59 μg/kg for "beginner", "continuation" and "special infant formulas", respectively. Two-factor (types and subtypes) variance analyses were made and Tukey's mean homogeneity test (p < 0.05) was also carried out for the formation of homogeneous groups. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between subtypes and 3 homogeneous groups were formed, one for "hypoallergenic" and "others", another group was constituted by "without lactose" and, finally another group, one with the highest cadmium content, was formed by subtype "vegetable". Their contribution to the provisional weekly intake (PWI) was calculated from the mean concentrations of each type and subtype of infant formulas, showing them to be food with a low toxicological risk.