Elemental composition of marketed milk from Nigeria and Brazil using ICP-OES: Health risk assessment study

The levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) were determined in Nigerian and Brazilian milk samples. Their concentrations in powdered milk were in the order K > Ca > Na > Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mo > Mn > Pb, and for liquid milk, K > Ca > Mg > Zn > Fe > Mo > Cu. The margin of exposure and provisional tolerable weekly intake values of Pb in powdered milk indicated no significant health risks to consumers. The rank order of microelements in powdered milk consumers based on target hazard quotient (THQ) was Zn > Mo > Cu > Pb > Fe > Mn, and for liquid milk, Zn > Mo > Cu > Fe. The THQs of microelements in milk for the Nigerians and Brazilians were lower than 1. Carcinogenic risk (CR) of Pb in children and adults was close to 1 E-6 but lower than 1 E-5, indicating inconsiderable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The presence of Pb in powdered milk is of great concern, therefore, food quality and safety plans must be carried out during production.

Automated summary

The levels of microelements in milk samples from Nigeria and Brazil were determined, with variations observed between the two countries. The presence of lead in powdered milk is of concern, but the intake of microelements through milk consumption poses low health risks to consumers, with insignificant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.