Assessment of Nutritional Intake of Essential Minerals in Children Through Milk Consumption

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Dietary assessment serves as a tool to identify inadequate micronutrient intakes in children. This study aimed to assess the nutritional intake of five essential minerals (Ca, Mg, P, Na, and K) among children aged 1 to 12 through milk consumption.

Study design: A total of 30 milk samples were collected from various dairy farms in the rural areas of Jamshoro, Sindh. All the samples were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) to determine mineral concentrations. Nutritional assessments of these minerals for children aged 1-12 years were based on the concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Na, and K in the milk samples and daily milk intake.

Results: The results revealed that the concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Na, and K in the milk samples ranged from 798.09-1598.05, 112.35-267.13, 632.06-1098.11, 251.67-501.13, to 1220.32-1701.09 mg/kg.

Discussion: The milk consumption data revealed that the highest daily intake of essential minerals among the selected age groups was found in the order of 1-3 > 4-8 > 9-12 years. Among the essential minerals, K was the most consumed by children, followed by Ca > P > Na > and Mg through milk intake. Furthermore, the regular intake of all selected essential minerals was observed below their recommended ranges.