Abstract
Tissue accumulation of aluminum (A1), a known toxin, has been reported in formula fed infants (Lancet 1985;2:527). This study aims to determine the extent of A1 contamination in whole milk and infant formulas. Similar products from different manufacturers (M) and different lots (L) were measured for A1 using electrothermal atomic absorption. A1 measurements were made directly from the samples or after dilution with A1 free water. A1 content was lowest in human milk (27±6 μg/1, m±SE, n=6), whole cow milk (26±2 μg/1, n=3), bottled glucose water (13 and 17 μg/l, n=2), and sterile water (25±8 μg/l, n=3); highest in highly processed and modified formulas including soy formula (1102±163 μg/l n=14 from 3M/12L), “premature” formula (660±68 μg/l, n=13 from 2M/10L), special formulas with modified protein, carbohydrate or fat (983±134 μg/l, n=7 from 1M/7L and 3 products). A1 content of humanized CM formulas was 203±16 μg/l, n=31 from 3M/26L and 14 products, and for bottled glucose-electrolyte solution was 73±6 μg/l, n=3. There were no significant differences in A1 content of similar products from different manufacturers. Thus there are marked differences in A1 loading depending on the type of formula used. We suggest that A1 contamination of infant formulas may be lowered by altering manufacturing procedures and the use of low A1 additives.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Koo, W., Kaplan, L. ALUMINUM CONTAMINATION OF INFANT FORMULAS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 271 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00624
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00624