Analysis of heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in commercially available multivitamins

Abstract

The concentration of heavy metals like nickel, manganese, zinc, chromium, copper and iron
were examined in multivitamin drugs sampled from an indigenous market of a well reputed manufacturer employing atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Intake of nickel in excess results in different diseases like liver, stomach and kidney disorder. This research paper is focused to know the concentration of toxic metals in multivitamins tablets and syrups. Study of different tablets and syrups from different companies showed varying level of toxic metals. Variable concentration of nickel was found in tested products ranging from 0.8 – 92.28 µg/g. The high nickel concentration was found in Vidaylin-T (Tab) (92.28 µg/g) manufactured by Abbott laboratories Karachi Pakistan and low in Becotin syrup (0.8µg/g) manufactured by Life pharmaceutical company Multan Pakistan. The concentration of zinc in tested sample was 0.37 to 980.93µg/g which is within the permissible limit. Most of tested multivitamin samples contain cobalt concentration less than the recommended daily intake.