Iron, Copper and Zinc in substitute foods for maternal milk: Comparison with infant nutritional requirements

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate iron, copper and zinc contents in baby formulas for lactents and powdered milk, conducting a comparative analysis between the observed values, the dietary reference intake (DRI) and the tolerable upper intake level (UL). The determination of these trace elements was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Iron, copper and zinc values varied in a wide concentration range, depending on the product. They were sometimes below the DRI (iron) and sometimes above it (zinc), surpassing the UL, compromising the reliable use of these food products in the long run, especially in monotonous diets. © 2009 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.