Macro-micro elements distribution, nutritional value and age-based risk assessment of branded liquid and powder milks available in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the level of concentration, nutritional contribution, and possible health risk for various age groups owing to the consumption of branded liquid and powder milk. Using atomic absorption spectrometry, sixteen liquid and thirty powder milk samples were tested for 13 elements. The concentration of essential elements showed the trends of K>Ca>Na>Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu and K>Ca>Na>Mg>Fe>Cu>Mn>Zn for liquid and powder milk samples respectively but the potentially hazard metals/metalloids showed the same trends (Cr>Pb>Hg>As>Cd) for both items. Except for Cr, Hg, and Fe, the elemental compositions of both milk categories differed considerably (<0.05). When compared to the metals/metalloid’s threshold values for milk samples (liquid and powder): Fe (19% and 27%), Mn (100% and 63%), Cu (0% and 23%) Zn (94% and 0%), Pb (25% and 13%) and Cr (0% and 3%) were found to be above the permissible limits. The nutrient input from macro-minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg) was highest for Ca (27.2% and 18.7%), followed by Mg, K, and Na. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of all trace metals/metalloids was within the daily permissible limit in both the milk category except age group (<3) and the female category. In terms of non-carcinogenic risk, the THQs and TTHQs levels compared to the threshold value (<1), the population of age groups ≤3 and 3<X≤14 especially female category will experience a more detrimental adverse effect. The probable carcinogenic risks indicated unacceptable risk level (<1.00E-04) for the ingestion of Cr through powder milk samples for child male and female categories.