Aluminum contents of human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas.

Background: Aluminum toxicity is well documented and contamination of milk formulas has been implicated as the source of accumulation in bone and brain tissues. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the aluminum contents of human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas.

Methods: Aluminum contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in samples of human milk in the colostrum, intermediate, and mature stages; infant formulas from eight manufacturers; and various types and brands of commercially available cow's milk.

Chromium content in human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas.

Chromium was measured by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in human milk, cow's milk, and infant formulas. The mean levels found were 1.56, 0.