In vitro interactions between calcium, zinc, copper and iron in milk- and soy-based infant formulas / Interacciones in vitro entre calcio, cinc, cobre e hierro en formulas de base láctea y de soja para lactantes

Interactions among calcium, zinc, copper and iron in milk- and soy-based infant formulas were as sessed in order to evaluate the influence of supplementation with one trace element on the bioavailability of the others. The criterion used to estimate the bioavailability is the percentage of dialysis, estimated by applying an in vitro method. Infant formulas were supplemented with CaCl2, ZnO, CuCO3 Cu(OH) 22H2O and FeSO4 7H2O at two levels (maximum (+) and minimum (-) allowed by the European Union). A factorial design at two levels with three factors (Zn, Cu and Fe addition) was carried out. The main effects and the second-order interactions of the studied factors on the bioavailability of a…