Studies of Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Cereal Based Weaning Foods for Infants Commercially Available on the Ghanaian Market

ABSTRACT

Cereal-based weaning foods, which abound on the Ghanaian market, are nutritionally vital in the growth and development of infants. Recent reports in scientific literature however indicate that rice and other cereals used in the manufacture of the weaning foods contribute significantly to the intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by infants. In view of this, frequent monitoring of the cereal-based weaning foods has become imperative. The study assessed the beneficial health effects and risks posed by the consumption of cereal-based weaning foods commercially available on the Ghanaian market with respect to the essential elements (Ca, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, V and Zn) and, non-essential, potentially toxic elements (As, Br, Hg, Pb and Sn). Twenty (20) different brands of weaning foods were purchased from various retail outlets in Accra and used for the study. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry [with flame atomization (FAAS) and hydride generation (HGAAS)] were used in analyzing the samples. Determination of Pb using FAAS was done following its extraction with dithizone. The analytical methods were validated using certified reference materials NIST 1568a (Rice flour) and NIST 1547 (Peach leaves). The levels (µg/g, in ranges) obtained for the elements were: As (< 0.025), Br (< 0.025), K (49-3845) Mg (20-280) and Mn (0.84-38.94). The rest include: Na (13- 1588), Pb (0.025-0.093), Se (0.145-0.317), Sn (35.8-91.8), V (