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Metrological tools to enhance the accuracy of copper, iron and zinc content of infant formula
Author(s) -
Castanheira Isabel,
Raimundo Inês,
Santiago Susana,
SanchesSilva Ana,
Iyengar Venkatesh
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.904.11
Subject(s) - traceability , zinc , metrology , infant formula , atomic absorption spectroscopy , population , nist , reliability (semiconductor) , copper , computer science , chemistry , mathematics , analytical chemistry (journal) , data mining , materials science , environmental chemistry , statistics , food science , metallurgy , physics , environmental health , medicine , power (physics) , quantum mechanics , natural language processing
Objective To apply metrological tools such as Quality Control Materials (QCM) and Proficiency Testing (PT) schemes to enhance the reliability of the measurement process of Cu, Fe and Zn in food matrices. To generate high quality analytical data to minimize errors by computing values for daily dietary intakes for specific population groups. Materials and methods Cu, Fe and Zn were determined in infant formula using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method (AOAC Official Method 985.35). Results The content of select minerals were determined after an independent method validation. A QCM was successfully prepared compiling with homogeneity and stability requirements. Traceability to basic SI units was achieved using Standard Reference Materials prepared by NIST. The participation in PT schemes revealed a consistent good laboratory practice. According to the results, the levels of Cu, Fe and Zn in infant formula were 0.28‐0.36, 5.79‐6.24, and 3.49‐3.91 mg/100g infant formula, respectively. Conclusions Due to the unequivocal role of Cu, Fe and Zn in the biological systems, it is important to know the accurate levels of these minerals in foodstuffs. The use of QCM and PT schemes allow guaranteeing data quality, which is a crucial issue to monitor food/ health relationship. Funding Disclosure Project LMARSA POR/3.1.015/DRELVT and European Food Information Resource Network (EuroFIR) (FP6‐513944).