Determination of Zinc in Some Infants and Young Children Foods Available in Supermarkets and Pharmacies Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Girma Kibatu *
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the zinc content of some infants and young children foods and supplementations available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Methods: 1.0 g of food samples were digested by wet ashing method and the content of zinc in the infant foods were determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS).
Results: The content of Zn in the infant formulas ranged from 0.77 mg/kg to 42.2 mg/kg and follows the order: Cerifam > S-26 > Cerelac-2 > Cerelac-1 > SUN > Mother's Choice > Promil > Baby King > Couscous > Safa.
Conclusions: The results indicated that the infant formulas, except in Couscous and Safa, have appeared to contain adequate amount of zinc for infants and young children dietary zinc requirements and can be used as Zinc supplements to mothers' milk.