![]() ![]() The need for essential trace minerals after childbirth is often greater than during the fetal period because of the high activity of metabolic pathways involved in growth, repair, and development, and in infection or hazardous physiopathological condition defense ( 3, 4). The main macrominerals and trace minerals in human breast milk are Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, and P, and Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, I, F, Se, Cr, Mo, and Co, respectively. Because of these, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MS), as well as other entities, such as the European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pediatric Nutrition (ESPGHAN), recommend exclusive breastfeeding up the 6th month of life and complementation after the introduction of food diversification for up to 2 years or more ( 3– 6).īreast milk, almost complete food and a primary nutrient source for infants and children, is composed of water, macronutrients such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins, and micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals ( 7). 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.īreast milk is indisputably the ideal food for infants due to its specific nutritional characteristics and optimal nutrient balance, being always available at the ideal temperature, and protection from pathogen contamination, while also displaying numerous immunological and psychological advantages in reducing infant morbidity and mortality ( 1, 2). 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. 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. Certain homogeneity only to trace mineral contents was observed when analyzing inter-batch values from same manufacturers. ![]() The highest concentrations of macrominerals were observed in Ca, K, P, and Na, and trace minerals in Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu. 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 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. ![]() Infant formulas are the main nutritional source for infants when breastfeeding is not possible or recommended.
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