Najla Saud Alharbi

Ms. Najla Saud Alharbi

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 June 2023 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
NANajla Saud Alharbi
Najla Saud Alharbi
RARawdah M. Akamsiei
Rawdah M. Akamsiei
LALama A. Almaiman
Lama A. Almaiman
MAMostafa A. Al‐Samti
Mostafa A. Al‐Samti
HAHamad S. Al‐Mutairi
Hamad S. Al‐Mutairi
MBMohammed A. Bineid
Mohammed A. Bineid
Early childhood exposure to heavy metals like arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) through baby foods unfolds many concerns about their toxic effects on growth and health. In this study, occurrence and dietary intake of As, Cd, and Pb in stage 1 infant formula (0–6 months), stage 2 infant formula (7–12 months), cereal‐based meals, and biscuits were estimated. First, the levels of As, Cd, and Pb were determined with ICP‐MS, followed by the calculation of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) for As and Cd, and margin of exposure (MoE) for Pb. Mean levels of As, Cd, and Pb were the highest in cereal‐based meals and biscuits as 15.5–11.1, 5.18–8.76, and 35.2–53.8 μg/kg, respectively. Newborns to 6 months old infants were estimated to be the highest exposed population to Cd and Pb (0.08 and 0.36 μg/kg bw/day), while infants aged 7–12 months old were exposed the highest to As. Based on the THQ, HI, and MoE findings, the current exposure levels from the selected baby foods to As, Cd, and Pb pose low potential chronic risks to both infant age groups. This research provides a roadmap for future investigations in chemical contaminants often detected in baby foods consumed regularly by Saudi infants.