Analysis of minor and trace elements in milk and yogurts by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

•We analysed 22 minor and trace elements in milk and yogurts, using ICP-MS.•Method was validated by detection limits, precision, accuracy and recovery tests.•Essential elements were found making good contribution in accordance to RDA.•Zinc showed the highest concentration, followed by Rb, Se, Sr and Cr.•Toxic trace elements were found very low and did not pose any threat to consumers. This study aimed at analysing the content of 22 minor and trace elements in milk and yogurts from South Korea, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), after digestion using heating block. The analytical method was validated by detection limits, precision, accuracy and recovery experiments, obtaining satisfactory results in all cases. Results of both minor and trace elements were found mostly similar in all varieties of milk and yogurts studied. Copper and manganese were comparatively high in fruit mixed yogurts, while selenium was high in milk samples. The overall concentrations of minor elements were found to have good nutritional values in accordance to RDA. Zn showed the highest concentration, followed by Rb, Se, Sr and Cr. The level of toxic trace elements, including As, Cd and Pb were very low and did not pose any threat to consumers.