Mineral Content in Initial and Follow-On Infant Formulas in Poland: Nutrient Adequacy and Comparison with Breast Milk

Abstract

In the present study, the content of selected micro- and macrominerals in conventional and specialist infant formulas (IFs) available on the Polish market was assessed and compared with breast milk from different periods of lactation. The content of minerals was assessed against established standards, compared to label guidelines, and the estimated coverage of daily requirements for selected minerals among infants. The study material consisted of fourteen types of initial, follow-on, and specialist IFs. Minerals—Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn were determined by the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method and P—by colorimetric method. The specialist formula S1 stood out in terms of Ca, Mg, and Mn, and S6 in terms of Na and K compared to other IFs (p < 0.05). Human milk contained lower contents of each element relative to all infant formulas. Regarding the European Commission’s recommendations, most types of IFs met standards for mineral content. In 12 IFs, the marked Fe content was lower than that declared by the manufacturer, and the difference ranged from 5 to more than 50%. All of the initial and five specialist IFs covered the need for all minerals among infants, while follow-on reported coverage lower than standards for Mg, Na, K, Fe, and Mn. Infant foods should be strictly controlled, and periodic checks on the determination of levels of selected ingredients in IFs are recommended to obtain products that resemble human food to the highest possible degree.

Keywords

• infant formulas
• processed food for infants
• minerals
• infant nutrition