Comparative evaluation of some macro- and micro-element and heavy metal contents in commercial fruit juices

Concentration of Heavy Metals in Traditional and Industrial Fruit Juices from Iran: Probabilistic Risk Assessment Study

Exposure to heavy metals can endanger the health of exposed people in the long term. The consumption of fruit juice is increasing; it is important to estimate the health risk of consumers due to heavy metals. The current study was carried out for the analysis of toxic metals (lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd)) and essential elements (copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)) in 60 samples of traditional and industrial fruit juices (10 samples of different brands of apple, orange, grape, peach, mango, and pineapple) in Hamadan, West Iran, using inductivity coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The validation protocol included precision of the analytical method; recovery, the determination of the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and linearity were measured. Moreover, risk assessment was detected using target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) model. The ranking of metal concentration in traditional and industrial fruit juices was Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Cd. In all samples, concentrations of heavy metals in industrial fruit juices were higher than traditional fruit juices p <  < 0.001. The level of metals in all samples was lower of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Iran Standard (IS) permissible limit set for drinking water. In terms of non-carcinogenic, values of toxic elements for children and adult in traditional and industrial fruit juices were 1.6E-3 and 1.72E-3 and 2.6E-3 and 1.85E-3, respectively. The 95th percentile of CR in adults and children due to both industrial and traditional fruits juices was higher than 1E-6; hence, reducing the concentration of As in fruit juices should be conducted. Consumption of fruit juice can increase carcinogenic risk of consumers. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it with caution.

Dilute-and-shoot ICPMS quantification of V, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba, and Pb in fruit juices based on matrix overcompensation calibration

Analysis of V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Ba, and Pb in fruit juices was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) after simple 50-fold dilution in 1% (v/v) HNO3-0.5% (v/v) HCl-5% (v/v) ethanol. Ethanol was added to overwhelm native organic components and dominate matrix effects. A universal calibration curve was built based on a likewise treated reagent standard series. This new matrix overcompensation calibration (MOC) strategy was developed to effectively compensated for matrix effects of carbon origin and achieved quantitative (92.5-118.8%) recoveries comparable to those by standard addition calibration (92.1-117.8%) and microwave-aided digestion (99.3-116.8%). The LODs were 0.528, 0.204, 0.195, and 2.07 ng mL-1 for toxic elements As, Cd, Pb, and Ni, respectively, adequate for their regulatory monitoring. Ge, Rh, Tb, and Ir were used as internal standards. MOC renders a calibration curve universally applicable to any clear fruit juices of diversified crop, geographic, and manufacturer origins resulting in cost saving and enhanced productivity.

Evaluation of radiological health risk due to ingestion and inhalation of radon in commercial packaged fruit juices consumed in Turkey

Fruit juices (FJs) are among the most popular beverages frequently preferred by consumers, believing FJs contain the nutritional values, minerals, phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants necessary for a healthy life. However, FJs may contain natural radionuclides such as radon (222Rn), which originates from the fruit and water utilized in their production, at levels that may pose a health risk to people. Inhalation and ingestion of 222Rn gas increases the risk of lung and stomach cancer. In this study, commercially packaged FJs from the seventeen most popular brands consumed in Turkey were analyzed for physicochemical properties and 222Rn activity concentrations to evaluate the radiological health risk. The values of pH, brix and 222Rn activity concentrations in FJ samples varied from 2.68 to 4.28, 2.50 to 14.30%, 9.6 ± 1.1 to 25.2 ± 2.5 mBq/L, respectively. The radiological health risk caused by internal exposure was evaluated for children and adults by estimating the ingestion and inhalation annual effective dose. The average values of the total annual effective dose for children and adults were found as 0.039 µSv and 0.056 µSv, respectively, which are much lower than the recommended dose of 100 µSv for drinking water.

Nickel in foodstuffs available on the Luxembourgish market and dietary intake

Nickel is a food contaminant of natural or anthropogenic origin. Monitoring of contaminants in food in general allows obtaining an overview on the presence of substances that are undesirable to health. The aim of this study was to analyse nickel content in food of non-animal origin and beverages sold in Luxembourg to determine the exposure of the population to this contaminant. In total, 660 samples were analysed in the timeframe from 2017 to 2021. The results demonstrate high concentrations of nickel in cashew nuts, walnuts, hemp and sunflower seeds, dried peas, oregano, and cocoa powder. Surveillance of contaminants in food allows identifying contributors to the chronic and acute exposure of nickel in order to potentially set official maximum levels in European legislation in the future, allowing for better enforcement actions in case of contaminated products and increasing consumer protection.

Antioxidant Properties of Chokeberry Products-Assessment of the Composition of Juices and Fibers

Chokeberry fruits are a rich source of bioactive ingredients and their beneficial effect on the body has been proven in the literature. They contain antioxidants such as polyphenols (anthocyanins, procyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonols and flavanols) but also other essential substances with health-promoting potential, such as vitamin C and elements. Providing the right amount of these ingredients is very important for maintaining health and preventing the effects of oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to assess the content of antioxidant elements (magnesium-Mg) and trace elements (copper-Cu, iron-Fe, manganese-Mn, selenium-Se and zinc-Zn), with the antioxidant potential being measured using the FRAP method, along with total anthocyanin, total flavonoid and total polyphenol content (TPC) in 25 chokeberry juices and 6 chokeberry fibers sourced from conventional and organic farming. All chokeberry juices and chokeberry fibers available on the Polish market at that time were ordered for testing. The studied juices came from concentrate (FC) and not from concentrate (NFC). Taking into account the mineral content, it was shown that both chokeberry juices and fibers contained the highest amount of Mg and the lowest amount of Se. The FRAP value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in organic juices compared to conventional ones as well as being higher (p < 0.05) in NFC juices compared to FC juices. NFC juices were also characterized by their higher concentrations of TPC, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin levels (p < 0.05) compared to FC juices. Consumption of 100 g of chokeberry juice can cover from 149.5 to 3177.0% of the daily requirement for Cu, 6.8-32.4% for Mn, 2.8-6.1% for Mg, 0.9-7.4% for Se, 0.2-3.7% for Fe, 0.3-1.2% for Zn and 8.3-34.5% for vitamin C. In turn, the consumption of 10 g of fiber can cover 4.3-32.0% of the daily requirement for Fe, 0.6-9.0% for Se, 3.7-8.2% for Cu, 2.2-3.8% for Mg, 0.6-9.0% for Se, 0.9-8.5% for Zn and 0.5-0.7%% for vitamin C. Chokeberry products can be a valuable component of a healthy diet.

Are Chokeberry Products Safe for Health? Evaluation of the Content of Contaminants and Health Risk

The health-promoting properties of chokeberry fruit have been confirmed in numerous scientific studies. It has been shown that the consumption of these fruits, due to the high content of bioactive compounds, has beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases, in addition to having hypolipemic, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, different conditions and methods of fruit cultivation, as well as methods of juice and fiber production, may result in a high content of toxic substances, which reduce the health value of chokeberry products. Many substances are environmental pollutants. In this study, for the first time, we examined the content of toxic elements (As, Hg, Cd, Pb), nitrates, and nitrites in all chokeberry juices (organic, conventional, from concentrate, and not from fruit concentrate) without additives and in all chokeberry fibers available in Poland. In addition, risk indicators of adverse health effects were calculated. The median content of the contaminants tested in juices was 0.461 µg/kg for As, 1.170 µg/kg for Cd, 0.427 µg/kg for Hg, 1.404 µg/kg for Pb, 4.892 mg/kg for NO2-, and 41.788 mg/kg for NO3-. These values did not exceed the permissible standards for the calculated indicators. There were also no statistically significant differences in the content of Cd, Hg, and Pb, as well as nitrates (III) and nitrates (V), in the tested juices depending on the method of cultivation and juice production. However, statistically significant differences in As content were found between juices from conventional and organic cultivation (1.032 µg/kg vs. 0.458 µg/kg) and juices from concentrate and not from concentrate (1.164 µg/kg vs. 0.460 µg/kg). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to impurities in fibers. It is shown that the consumption of chokeberry juice and fiber in the amount normally consumed does not pose a health risk associated with the intake of toxic substances; in the case of long-term fiber consumption, the Pb content should be monitored. In particular, organic juices and those not from fruit concentrate are recommended due to the lower As content.

Evaluation of Copper and Manganese Concentrations in Commercial Fruit Juices and Nectars Consumed in Brazil by GF AAS

The present work proposes a simple method for direct determination of Cu and Mn in commercial fruit juices and nectars by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). We analyzed samples of different flavors (orange, mango, passion fruit, peach, and grape) and brands of Brazilian commercial fruit juices and nectars. We also carried out a study to define a suitable temperature program and to optimize the calibration conditions. It was possible to determine Cu and Mn in the samples just after a simple dilution of samples with a 0.70 mol L^-1 HNO₃ solution, except in the case of grape juice. We compared the results obtained with the proposed method to those obtained after a traditional treatment based on acid digestion in a microwave oven, and no significant differences were observed (except for grape juice). The accuracy of the method was assessed through a recovery test, which provided recovery percentages in the range of 81-117%. Precision was always better than 8%, and the limits of quantification for Cu and Mn were 6 μg L^-1 and 9 μg L^-1, respectively. We analyzed twenty-two samples, and the concentrations of Cu and Mn were in the range of 24.1-321 μg L^-1 and 116-3296 μg L^-1, respectively. Statistical analysis using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level showed that flavor and brand impacted on the concentration of the analytes in the samples. Among the samples analyzed, the grape juice presented the highest concentrations of both Cu and Mn.

Determination of the content of selected trace elements in Polish commercial fruit juices and health risk assessment

The objective of the study was to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), aluminium (Al), thallium (Tl), antimony (Sb) and uranium (U) in the apple and orange juices and black currant nectar in relation to the kind of packaging. Also, probabilistic risk assessment (non-carcinogenic) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ and THQ*). Aluminium (Al) was present at the highest concentration in the analysed juices and nectars, with average concentration ranging from 1.34 mg/kg in orange juices (glass) to 4.26 mg/kg in black currant nectar (glass). Fruit juices and nectars kept in tetra pack packaging were characterised by elevated concentrations of Al and Sb, while the products in glass packaging contained significantly higher concentrations of As compared with the products in tetra pack packaging. Although the average concentrations of trace elements were lower than the standard limit, exposure to non-carcinogenic factors was demonstrated.

Determination of trace metals in fruit juices in the Portuguese market

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Validation process for the analysis of metals in fruit juices was implemented.

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Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Ni and Mn were determined in fruit juices.

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62% of the samples had Ni above the maximum permissible values according with the Portuguese legislation.

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All the samples had Mn above the Portuguese legislation limits.

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A reduction of metal concentration in Portuguese juices is recommended.

Fruit juices are amongst the most non-alcoholic beverages appreciated and consumed in European countries, including Portugal. These beverages contain minerals, nutrients, trace elements, vitamins and phytochemicals, which are essential for a healthy life. However, fruit juices may also contain high levels of metals, posing a health risk to humans, especially to children, since they consume more fruit juice per body weight unit, and have a less varied diet than adults. Thus, in order to guarantee food safety and to make sound nutritional considerations, fruit juices require careful investigation. The main purpose of this study was to determine arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) concentrations in 21 fruit juices from 4 different brands, previously selected by the ASAE (Portuguese Food and Economic Safety Authority), and available in the Portuguese market. Results obtained were compared with permissible levels set out by WHO (World Health Organization), USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), by the Portuguese law, and with similar studies performed in other countries. A validation process, including linearity, range, analytical thresholds, precision, accuracy and specificity/selectivity was conducted in order to guarantee reliable analytical data. The results showed that As levels in four samples, Ni in thirteen samples and Mn in all the twenty-one samples, were above the maximal permissible values specified by Decree-Law 306/2007 from 27th August of the Portuguese Legislation. These data establish the need for reduction of metal concentrations in consumed juices.