Nutritional profile and risk assessment of inorganic elements in enteral and parenteral nutrition formulas

The contents of essential (Ca, Fe, K, Na, P, and Zn) and potentially toxic inorganic elements (As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb) in enteral and parenteral nutrition formulas were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). A total of 30 enteral formulas, 23 parenteral solution components, and 3 parenteral solutions were analyzed. The elements Ca and K presented the higher contents (72–2918 mg L⁻¹ and 235–2760 mg L⁻¹) while the lowest concentration levels were found for As and Cd (<0.68 µg L⁻¹ and <0.01–0.62 µg L⁻¹) in the studied samples. The validated analytical methods presented an accuracy of 75–116% and RSD values lower than 9.8%. Calcium gluconate and magnesium sulfate, which are used as raw materials in parenteral solution, are potential sources of Al and Mn contamination. A Hazard Quotient (HQ) >1 was obtained for Al (27 ± 1 µg L⁻¹) in one of the parenteral samples, whereas the established limit is 25 µg L⁻¹. Enteral samples were considered safe for consumption regarding the Al, As, and Cd levels. One healing-specific and pediatric formula contained Pb at levels above 0.25 µg kg-day⁻¹, too high for safe consumption. The enteral formulas (pediatric, diabetes-specific, renal-specific, healing-specific, and standard formula with addition of fiber) presented risks in relation to the consumption of Cr and Mn (>250 µg day⁻¹ and >11 mg day⁻¹). The results indicate the need for strict monitoring, considering that these formulations are often the single patient’s food source.