Determining the concentrations of some essential elements in powdered infant formula in the Al-Khums region of Libya.

Abstract

Background: Milk is a rich source of protein, fats, and essential minerals, and is considered an ideal food for humans. For infants, breast milk is usually the sole source of nutrition during the first four months of life. The best way to feed an infant is through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by breastfeeding with the introduction of complementary foods after six months. In pharmacies, parents have complete faith in the nutritional claims printed on infant formula cans. Amis: This study aimed to verify whether the contents of the cans matched these claims by determining the concentrations of certain essential elements in five brands of powdered infant formula sold in pharmacies in Al-Khums, Libya in 2025, and their compliance with international standards.

Methods: Subjected five brands to rigorous testing, going beyond visual inspection to include the use of stringent analytical techniques. These techniques ranged from drying and burning to assess physical stability to flame spectroscopy and titration to determine mineral content.

 Results: Despite the stable physical structure, with a moisture content of 4.90% and an ash content of 2.90%, the electrolyte analysis revealed a concerning imbalance. A severe and persistent potassium deficiency was observed, accompanied by sharply elevated sodium levels exceeding acceptable limits.

Conclusion: Although calcium and iron levels remained within acceptable ranges, this electrolyte imbalance poses a hidden risk to the infants' kidney health, necessitating immediate regulatory intervention and an update to laboratory testing procedures.