Estimation of daily dietary intake of essential minerals and trace elements in commercial complementary foods marketed in Brazil

Abstract

Eating habits influence health and development throughout life and commercial complementary foods are an important part of the diet for many infants. In this study, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Mg, Na, Se and Zn were determined in twenty-seven Brazilian commercial complementary foods samples by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Daily dietary intakes of the elements were estimated in three groups aged 6–8 months, 9–11 months and 12–24 months from breastfed and non-breastfed infants and young children. Non-breastfed children presented higher daily dietary intakes for all elements. Daily dietary intakes of Fe, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn did not meet the recommended values for the 6–8 and 9–11 months for the breastfeeding group. Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn dietary intakes were below the recommended values for 12–24 months for breastfeeding group. Se daily dietary intakes were inadequate in all studied groups. No investigated element exceeded the upper limits. It was observed that the commercial infant food analyzed do not provide sufficient amount of essential minerals and trace elements for the child healthy development in accordance to the international health recommendations.