Evaluation of trace elements in selected foods and dietary intake by young children in Thailand

Abstract

Elemental concentrations in rice, animal products, eggs, vegetables, fruits, infant formulas and drinking water were determined in 667 food samples randomly collected from local markets, big supermarkets and grocery stores in Bangkok, Thailand, during the period October 2005-August 2008. Samples were digested with nitric acid and analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Arsenic and cadmium levels in most foods were below the maximum levels as set by international organisations. Filtered and bottled drinking water, rice, vegetables and banana contained low concentrations of arsenic, cadmium and lead. Non-polished rice had higher magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron and selenium concentrations than polished rice. Banana was a major source for manganese and selenium. Pig kidney and liver contained high levels of arsenic and cadmium. Manganese, cadmium, lead and aluminium concentrations in soybean milk could also be of concern. With respect to food safety for children, the amounts of arsenic and cadmium ingested with poultry, pig liver or rice corresponded to high weekly or monthly intake.

Complementary feeding: Attitudes, knowledge and practices of urban families in northern Thailand

“…Interestingly, although the percentage of home cooking was high in the present study, the use of seasoning was also common. Likewise, a study revealed over 40% of Vietnamese mothers usually added monosodium glutamate to complementary foods . When compared with commercially infant foods, home‐made foods were surprisingly found to be high in salt and low in fat .…”

Cadmium Exposure and Potential Health Risk from Foods in Contaminated Area, Thailand

“…studied the contents of trace elements including some toxic elements in various foodstuffs normally eaten by infant and young school children. The samples collected from local markets, big supermarkets and grocery stores in Bangkok illustrated Cd in the range of 0.28~3.68 mg kg −1 for pig livers and range of 0.38~10.82 mg kg −1 for pig kidneys ( 38 ). More recently, Cd in animal based foods from the local markets in northeastern region Thailand was determined.…”

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