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Baby formulas are foods designed and marketed for feeding babies. The use of baby formulas is increasing worldwide due to various reasons. In parallel, there is increasing concern about endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in baby formulas. EDCs cover a large class of compounds able to interact with the endocrine system. EDCs can disrupt many different hormones, so they are linked to numerous adverse outcomes in human health. Babies are more sensitive to environmental toxins than adults. In this review, the type and amount of some EDCs in the composition of baby formulas in addition to their effects on health are examined. The evaluation of EDCs in baby formulas, which are considered a source for EDCs, has become necessary. Soy-based baby formulas are seen as a source of phytoestrogens for newborns. Organohalogens are high in especially milk-based. Pesticides are generally below the maximum limits. Phthalate levels vary depending on the package content of baby formulas. The phthalate level is higher in formulas with metal packaging. Although bisphenol A (BPA) exposure decreases with the spread of BPA-free packaging, it should be kept in mind that even very low exposures can cause significant health problems. With strict legal regulations, melamine exposure has decreased considerably. Given the susceptibility of babies to EDCs, it is essential to closely monitor the EDCs content of baby formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to estimate the daily dietary intakes of melamine for human milk-fed (HMF) babies and mixed-fed (MF) babies. It was carried out in 70 mother-baby pairs (40 babies in the HMF group and 30 babies in the MF group). Human milk, formula milk, and baby urine samples were collected to assess the dietary exposure of babies. Melamine concentrations were analyzed by using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Melamine was determined in 82.5 % of the human milk samples in the HMF group (median: 0.75 µg/L) while it was present in 96.7 % of human milk samples (median: 1.25 µg/L) and 96.7 % in formula milk samples (median: 0.95 µg/kg) in the MF group. The mean urinary melamine concentration of HMF babies (1.20 ± 0.21 µg/L) was not significantly different than MF babies (1.35 ± 0.49 µg/L). Melamine exposure was calculated as 0.12 µg/kg bw/day and 0.24 µg/kg bw/day in HMF and MF babies, respectively. Melamine exposure in both groups was below the tolerable daily intake. There were no significant associations between melamine exposure and various features of babies and mothers. As a result, it can be suggested that Turkish babies (aged 0–6 months) are not at risk for high melamine exposure through the diet. • No statistically significant difference was found between melamine concentrations in human milk and formula milk. • The mean urinary melamine levels in human milk-fed babies were not statistically different from mixed-fed babies. • Melamine exposure in human milk-fed babies was similar to mixed-fed babies. • Human milk-fed babies and mixed-fed babies aged 0–6 months in Turkey were not at risk for dietary melamine exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]