## 3 Results and Discussion  
### Essential and Toxic Elements Concentrations in Baby Food in Jars  
Table 5 shows the mean concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) and standard deviations (SD) of the samples analyzed according to the type of jar.  
In the case of essential elements, the mean content of Na (2464 \(\pm\) 106 mg/kg ww) and Ca (921 \(\pm\) 62.7 mg/kg ww) recorded in mixed jars stands out. On the other hand, the highest average levels of K (4213 \(\pm\) 548 mg/kg ww) and Mg (319 \(\pm\) 47.9 mg/kg ww), were found in meat and vegetables jars, respectively. It should be noted the mean content of Zn (18.6 \(\pm\) 1.84 mg/kg ww) and Fe (10.5 \(\pm\) 0.76 mg/kg ww) found in mixed jars.  
Regarding the toxic elements, high Li levels were registered in all the analyzed types, highlighting the average level of Li (319 \(\pm\) 48.0 mg/kg ww) found in meat jars. Likewise, the Al content (8.22 \(\pm\) 8.97 mg/kg ww) recorded in vegetable jars were the highest, which may be due to the fact that vegetables absorb and accumulate higher levels of Al from the soil [32; 66]. While the highest Cd (0.03 \(\pm\) 0.006 mg/kg ww) and Pb (0.17 \(\pm\) 0.05 mg/kg ww) levels were found in meat jars.  
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2021/1317 of 9 August 2021 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards the maximum Pb content in certain food products, sets a maximum limit for Pb in food children of 0.020 mg/kg of fresh weight [67], considering this maximum limit all samples groups analyzed exceeds it between a 550% and 850%.  
The European Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, of 19 December 2006, as amended by COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No. 2021/1323 of 10 August 2021, establishes the maximum admissible concentrations in processed foods based on cereals and infant food for infants and young children, with the maximum Cd level of 0.04 mg/kg of fresh weight [68]. Considering the data obtained in the present study, the samples analyzed are below this limit.  
Significant differences (\(p\) < 0.05) were detected by using statistical analysis in Ca and Na content between meat and mixed jars with those of vegetables and fruits revealed. As well as were found statistical differences in Fe levels between the meat and vegetable jars with those of fruits, and these with the mixed ones. Likewise, the statistical study has shown statistical differences (\(p\) < 0.05) in the content of Cd and Pb between the meat, mixed and vegetable jars with the fruit jars.  
The Ba content is statistically different (\(p\) < 0.05) between the meat and fruit jars with those of vegetables and mixed. In the case of Cu, Mo, Ni and B, it is statistically differentiated between fruit jars with the rest of the types. On the other hand, the registered levels of Zn turned out to be significantly different between the four types of baby food in jars analyzed. Finally, the Sr content is statistically different between meat and vegetable jars.  
The differences found between the different types are mainly due to their composition, since the levels of essential and toxic elements in vegetables and fruits are influenced by factors such as climate, soil pH, soil composition, irrigated water, sources from nearby pollution, used pesticides and fertilizers [69; 70], whereas in meats, the content of these elements will be influenced by the age of the animal, species and diet [71; 72; 73].  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline \multirow{2}{*}{**Element**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**Concentration (mg/kg Wet Weight) \(\pm\) SD**} \\ \cline{2-5}  & **Fruits** & **Vegetables** & **Meat** & **Mixed** \\ \hline Ca & 221 \(\pm\) 78.2 & 456 \(\pm\) 38.1 & 798 \(\pm\) 151 & 921 \(\pm\) 62.7 \\ K & 3882 \(\pm\) 1178 & 3686 \(\pm\) 363 & 4213 \(\pm\) 548 & 4066 \(\pm\) 1000 \\ Na &