Abstract
Introduction: Infant formulas play a crucial role in meeting the nutritional needs of babies, particularly when breast milk is insufficient or unavailable. However, deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors can reduce the expected benefits of these diets. In Nigeria, several brands of infant formula are commonly consumed, with some being more popular than others.
Methods: This study assessed selected antioxidant vitamins and anti-nutritional factors in three widely consumed brands in Sokoto town, Sokoto state: Cerelac (A), My Boy (B), and Nutribom (C). Vitamins A, C, and E, and anti-nutritional compounds (cyanide, nitrate, oxalate, phytate, and tannin), were quantified using spectrophotometric/titrimetric methods.
Results: The results indicated that sample A, while rich in vitamins (A: 73.1 ± 0.8 µg/100g, C: 43.1 ± 0.6 mg/100g, and E: 2.954 ± 0.71 mg/100g), also contained significantly higher anti-nutrients nitrates, tannins, and cyanide (17.10 ± 0.60, 20.91.2 ± 1.14 mg/100g, 169.5 ± 33.56 respectively). Sample B showed moderate vitamins contents (A: 23.1 ± 0.2, C: 19.6 ± 0.5, and E: 2.05 ± 0.6 mg/100g) but elevated phytate levels (22.61 ± 6.87 mg/g). Sample C had the lowest antinutrients level, but also comparatively lowest levels of the vitamins.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for improved processing techniques and fortification strategies to enhance the nutritional quality of infant formulas while minimizing anti-nutritional risks. Periodic monitoring, covering more nutrients and antinutrients, and innovative interventions are necessary to improve the safety and efficacy of the infant formulas.