Determination of Aluminum, Chromium, and Barium Concentrations in Infant Formula Marketed in Lebanon

What is it about?

Infant formula is a major source of food and nutrition for infants and toddlers. However, the presence of contaminants, such as toxic metals, may pose increased health risks to infants. An investigation on the occurrence of the metals: aluminum (Al), barium (Ba) and chromium (Cr), in baby formulae marketed in Lebanon was performed using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). All brands contained detectable levels of Al and Ba. Cr was detected in 95% of brands. Mean concentrations of the metals (in µg/g) were determined to be 1.538 ± 1.428 (Al), 0.256 ± 0.593 (Ba) and 0.168 ± 0.143 (Cr). A statistical difference in the mean concentrations of Al, Ba and Cr over the two production dates of a brand was observed in 92%, 59% and 83% of samples, respectively. Our analysis of infant formulas is the first-of-its-kind in Lebanon and reveals the need for frequent monitoring and surveillance of these products intended for infant consumption.

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