Determination of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in Indigenous Complementary Infant Flour from Kenya by Total-Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence

Abstract

Four dietary trace elements were determined in indigenous complementary infant flours collected from mothers in rural areas of Kenya using total-reflection x-ray technique. A high variability of these trace element levels were observed in the samples. The variability was dependent on type of ingredients used, the proportions of these ingredients in the sample and the origin of the samples. Further studies on bioavailability of trace elements in such kinds of complementary infant foods could be carried out to ascertain its viability of eliminating micronutrients deficiencies among infants and young children in developing countries.