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Occurrence and Toxicological Significance of Nitrate and Nitrite in Commercial Infant Formula from Nigeria
Abstract
Aim: To determine and evaluate the levels of nitrate and nitrite in some commercial infant formula in view of the health implications of these factors.
Method: Nitrate and nitrite, which may create significant health problems in infants, were determined in four commercial infant formula. The public health and toxicological implications of high consumption of these factors are briefly highlighted.
Results: Nitrate varied from 6.0 to 168.0mg/kg, while nitrite was from 0.00 to 0.026 mg/kg. On the bases of daily intake estimates, levels of nitrate and nitrite in the infant formulas seem to satisfy the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) and pose no health risks.
Conclusion: In view of the high sensitivity of young infants, nitrates and nitrites should be determined more often particularly in water and infant foods.
Key Words: Nitrate, Nitrite, Toxicity, Infant formula, Commercial, Methaemoglobinemia
Journal of College of Medicine Vol.9(1) 2004: 45-48
Method: Nitrate and nitrite, which may create significant health problems in infants, were determined in four commercial infant formula. The public health and toxicological implications of high consumption of these factors are briefly highlighted.
Results: Nitrate varied from 6.0 to 168.0mg/kg, while nitrite was from 0.00 to 0.026 mg/kg. On the bases of daily intake estimates, levels of nitrate and nitrite in the infant formulas seem to satisfy the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) and pose no health risks.
Conclusion: In view of the high sensitivity of young infants, nitrates and nitrites should be determined more often particularly in water and infant foods.
Key Words: Nitrate, Nitrite, Toxicity, Infant formula, Commercial, Methaemoglobinemia
Journal of College of Medicine Vol.9(1) 2004: 45-48
