Cereal bran fortified-functional foods for obesity and diabetes management: Triumphs, hurdles and possibilities

Cereal bran proteins: recent advances in extraction, properties, and applications

The projected global population is expected to reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, indicating a greater demand for proteins in the human diet. Cereal bran proteins (CBPs) have been identified as high-quality proteins, with potential applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. In 2020, global cereal grain production was 2.1 billion metric tonnes, including wheat, rice, corn, millet, barley, and oats. Cereal bran, obtained through milling, made up 10-20% of total cereal grain production, varying by grain type and milling degree. In this article, the molecular composition and nutritional value of CBPs are summarized, and recent advances in their extraction and purification are discussed. The functional properties of CBPs are then reviewed, including their solubility, binding, emulsifying, foaming, gelling, and thermal properties. Finally, current challenges to the application of CBPs in foods are highlighted, such as the presence of antinutritional factors, low digestibility, and allergenicity, as well as potential strategies to improve the nutritional and functional properties by overcoming these challenges. CBPs exhibit nutritional and functional attributes that are similar to those of other widely used plant-based protein sources. Thus, CBPs have considerable potential for use as ingredients in food, pharmaceutical, and other products.

Exploring the underutilized novel foods and starches for formulation of low glycemic therapeutic foods: a review

Rising incidences of life-style disorders like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are a matter of concern coupled with escalated consumption of highly refined and high energy foods with low nutrient density. Food choices of consumers have witnessed significant changes globally with rising preference to highly processed palatable foods. Thus, it calls food scientists, researchers and nutritionists' attention towards developing and promoting pleasant-tasting yet healthy foods with added nutritional benefits. This review highlights selected underutilized and novel ingredients from different food sources and their by-products that are gaining popularity because of their nutrient density, that can be employed to improve the nutritional quality of conventionally available empty-calorie foods. It also emphasizes on the therapeutic benefits of foods developed from these understudied grains, nuts, processing by-products of grains, fruits- and vegetable-byproducts and nutraceutical starches. This review aims to draw attention of food scientists and industrialists towards popularizing the utilization of these unconventional, yet nutrient rich foods sources in improving the nutritional profile of the conventional foods lacking in nutrient density.

Modified cereal bran (MCB) from finger millet, kodo millet, and rice bran prevents high-fat diet-induced metabolic derangements

Cereal bran consumption improves gastrointestinal and metabolic health. Unprocessed cereal brans have a limited shelf-life and contain anti-nutrient phytochemicals. In the present study, lipids and antinutrients (flavonoids, tannin, and polyphenol) were removed from finger millet, kodo millet and rice bran using chemo-enzymatic processing. The thus-obtained modified cereal brans (MCBs) were evaluated for their potential in preventing high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. C57BL/6 mice were fed a HFD or a HFD supplemented with 10% w/w modified finger millet bran (mFMB), modified kodo millet bran (mKMB), modified rice bran (mRB), or a combination of the modified brans (1 : 1 : 1) for twelve weeks. The MCBs reduced HFD-induced body weight gain, improved glucose homeostasis, decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and increased the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the cecum. Liver dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) hypertrophy, and lipolysis were also prevented by the MCBs. Among the individual MCBs, mRB showed a greater effect in preventing HFD-induced increase in the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS) than mFMB and mKMB. mFMB and mKMB supplementation more significantly restored the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and butyrate-producing genera such as Lachnospiraceae, Eubacterium, and Ruminococcus than mRB. Ex vivo gut permeability assay, immunohistochemistry of tight junction proteins, and gene expression analysis in the colon revealed that the combination of three brans was better in preventing HFD-induced leaky gut in comparison to the individual brans. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the combination group was clustered closest to the NPD group, suggesting an additive effect. Our study implies that a combination of mFMB, mKMB, and mRB could be used as a nutraceutical or functional food ingredient for preventing HFD-induced gut derangements and associated metabolic complications.

Natural Polyphenol Recovery from Apple-, Cereal-, and Tomato-Processing By-Products and Related Health-Promoting Properties

Polyphenols of plant origin are a broad family of secondary metabolites that range from basic phenolic acids to more complex compounds such as stilbenes, flavonoids, and tannins, all of which have several phenol units in their structure. Considerable health benefits, such as having prebiotic potential and cardio-protective and weight control effects, have been linked to diets based on polyphenol-enriched foods and plant-based products, indicating the potential role of these substances in the prevention or treatment of numerous pathologies. The most representative phenolic compounds in apple pomace are phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin, with major health implications in diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurocognitive diseases. The cereal byproducts are rich in flavonoids (cyanidin 3-glucoside) and phenolic acids (ferulic acid), all with significant results in reducing the incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Quercetin, naringenin, and rutin are the predominant phenolic molecules in tomato by-products, having important antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The present understanding of the functionality of polyphenols in health outcomes, specifically, noncommunicable illnesses, is summarized in this review, focusing on the applicability of this evidence in three extensive agrifood industries (apple, cereal, and tomato processing). Moreover, the reintegration of by-products into the food chain via functional food products and personalized nutrition (e.g., 3D food printing) is detailed, supporting a novel direction to be explored within the circular economy concept.

Novel processing strategies to enhance the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of functional components in wheat bran

Dietary fiber, polysaccharides and phenols are the representative functional components in wheat bran, which have important nutritional properties and pharmacological effects. However, the most functional components in wheat bran exist in bound form with low bioaccessibility. This paper reviews these functional components, analyzes modification methods, and focuses on novel solid-state fermentation (SSF) strategies in the release of functional components. Mining efficient microbial resources from traditional fermented foods, exploring the law of material exchange between cell populations, and building a stable self-regulation co-culture system are expected to strengthen the SSF process. In addition, emerging biotechnology such as synthetic biology and genome editing are used to transform the mixed fermentation system. Furthermore, combined with the emerging physical-field pretreatment coupled with SSF strategies applied to the modification of wheat bran, which provides a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of wheat bran and the development of related functional foods and drugs.

A Review of the Potential Consequences of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) for Diabetes Mellitus and Other Biomedical Applications

Diabetes mellitus has become a troublesome and increasingly widespread condition. Treatment strategies for diabetes prevention in high-risk as well as in affected individuals are largely attributed to improvements in lifestyle and dietary control. Therefore, it is important to understand the nutritional factors to be used in dietary intervention. A decreased risk of diabetes is associated with daily intake of millet-based foods. Pearl millet is a highly nutritious grain, nutritionally comparable and even superior in calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to other large cereals, although its intake is confined to lower income segments of society. Pearl millet contains phenolic compounds which possess antidiabetic activity. Thus, it can be used to prepare a variety of food products for diabetes mellitus. Moreover, it also has many health benefits, including combating diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, decreasing tumour occurrence, lowering blood pressure, heart disease risk, cholesterol, and fat absorption rate. Therefore, the current review addresses the role of pearl millet in managing diabetes.

Quality assessment of nutri-cereal bran rich fraction enriched buns and muffins

Millet bran, a by-product obtained during millet processing is rich in nutrients, fiber, antioxidants and phyto-nutrients, but remains underutilized. Consumption of bakery products have increased significantly among all age groups. Majority of the bakery products are calorie dense and lack nutrients. There are limited studies on utilization of minor millet brans and bran rich fractions (BRF) in development of bakery products. Thus, present study aimed at formulating designer buns and muffins using foxtail and kodo millet BRF respectively. It was observed that buns prepared with 20% foxtail and muffins prepared with 30% kodo BRF showed better acceptability. The nutritional profile of BRF enriched buns and muffins had significant increase in dietary fibre (2.73% and 2.79%), iron, calcium, zinc, antioxidant capacity and phytonutrient content. A reduction was observed in the available carbohydrates in both buns (51.11-47.85 g/100 g) and muffins (46.76-43.87 g/100 g). Buns and muffin exhibited moderate glycemic index (57.71, 56.42) and glycemic load (19.32, 14.85) respectively. Shelf life of buns and muffins was 3 and 7 days respectively at room temperature. In both the products moisture, water activity and microbial plate count increased during storage whereas sensory acceptability decreased. The study indicates that addition of minor millet BRF in baked products enhanced nutritional content and reduced glycemic index thereby exhibiting its potential as a functional ingredient in food processing.

High-Protein Bar as a Meal Replacement in Elite Sports Nutrition: A Pilot Study

This study was focused on the creation of high-protein bars formulated using whey protein isolate (24%) and soy protein isolate (6%) as the sources of proteins; oat flakes and inulin, both abundant in dietary fibres, and creatine monohydrate and other minor ingredients (vitamin and mineral mixture, potassium sorbate) to achieve the requirements for a meal replacement formula for physically active people. The nutritional profile of the high-protein bar was examined (energy 1215 kJ/288 kcal; protein 34.1 ± 0.20 g, fat 6.01 ± 0.13 g of which was saturated 3.12 ± 0.08 g, fibre 3.10 ± 0.17 g carbohydrate 23.0 ± 0.16 g of which sugars 1.50 ± 0.19 g and starch 21.5 ± 0.11 g in 100 g), and sensory properties with instrumental parameters (texture and colour) were determined and compared with bars commercially available on the market. The created high-protein bar was sensorily acceptable in comparison to other commercially available bars. The dietary intervention study was conducted on elite athletes (professional handball players) to evaluate effects of created versus control bar consumption on their metabolic parameters. The baseline characteristics (mean age, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, muscle mass, lean mass and fat percentage) of the athletes (8) were determined at the start of the study. The cross-over intervention study was organized in two successive phases (5 days each) with a seven-day long washout period between phases. Bars were consumed after the afternoon training unit. Blood samples were collected at the start and the end of the intervention study to analyse the metabolic profiles of the athletes. Serum levels of high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol (HOL), glucose, triacylglycerides (TAG), total and direct bilirubin, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. The results showed that bar consumption significantly decreased serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increased total and direct bilirubin levels, suggesting lower exercise-induced muscle damage and increased antioxidative response, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the consumption of the created high-protein bar was able to improve physiological adaptation after training.

Traditional and Non-Conventional Pasta-Making Processes: Effect on In Vitro Starch Digestibility

Pasta is a carbohydrate-rich food with a low glycemic index (GI) and is one of the main sources of slowly digestible starch (SDS). The presence of bran fractions (BFs) in pasta may enhance its health potential, owing to the content of fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds; however, at the same time, BF may affect starch digestibility. In this study, the bioaccessibility of starch in pasta made with BF-enriched semolina (BF pasta), or only with micronized debranned kernel (DK pasta), and a control pasta made with traditional semolina was evaluated by applying two different in vitro models. The control pasta showed a percentage of SDS about four-fold higher than that of the BF pasta and 1.5-fold higher than that of the DK pasta (p < 0.05). The amount of starch released during simulated gastrointestinal digestion was slightly lower, but not significantly different, for the control pasta than for both the BF and DK pasta. These results suggest that the presence of a higher amount of dietary fiber in BF pasta can affect the structure of the food matrix, interfering with the formation of the gluten network, water absorption, and starch granule accessibility, while micronization could enhance starch digestibility due to starch gelatinization. These findings emphasize the need to optimize the process for producing fiber-rich pasta without affecting its low starch digestibility and, consequently, its GI.

Valorization of Native Soluble and Insoluble Oat Side Streams for Stable Suspensions and Emulsions

Among different cereals, oat is becoming more popular due to its unique composition and health benefits. The increase in oat production is associated with an increase in related side streams, comprising unutilized biomass that is rich in valuable components, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and antioxidants. To valorize such biomass, it is fundamental that side streams enter back into the food production chain, in respect of the circular economy model. Here, we propose the use of soluble and insoluble oat-production side-stream in suspensions and emulsions, avoiding any further extraction, fractionation, and/or chemical derivatization. Our approach further increases the value of these side streams. To this aim, we first studied the effect of thermal and mechanical processes on the behavior and properties of both soluble and insoluble oat side-stream fractions in water and at air/water interface. Then, we characterized the emulsifying and stabilizing abilities of these materials in oil-in-water emulsions. Interestingly, we found that the insoluble fraction was able to form stable suspensions and emulsions after mechanical treatment. The oil droplets in the emulsions were stabilized by anchoring at the surface of the insoluble particles. On the other hand, the soluble fraction formed only stable viscous solutions. Finally, we demonstrated that the two fractions can be combined to increase the storage stability of the resulting emulsion.

Our results highlight that oat production side streams can be used as novel bio-based emulsifiers, showing the great potential behind the underutilized cereal-side-stream biomass.

Graphical Abstract

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE COMPOSITION BASE OF PRODUCTS FOR BODY WEIGHT CONTROL

The problems of overweight and obesity have been analyzed, and the main ways to solve them have been investigated, one of which is the consumption of specially designed bran bars for body weight control. Based on the recommendations of experts, it has determined that the main components characterized by a high fiber content are oat and wheat bran, flax seed meal, in particular, the proposals of specialists on their content in the target products planned for development have been analyzed. Based on these data, 9 model compositions of the mentioned components have been created, their organoleptic properties have been assessed using a specially created point scale, on the basis of which, using the weight coefficients, their complex quality indicators has been determined. The information obtained was used to develop and build a mathematical model of the composition of the compositional base of bars for body weight control

Nanoencapsulation of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera VIT-MN04 using electrospinning technique for easy gastrointestinal transit

In this study, probiotic yeast Saccharomycopsis fibuligera (S. fibuligera) VIT-MN04 was encapsulated with wheat bran fibre (WBF) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) along with 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using electrospinning technique for easy gastrointestinal transit (GIT). The electrospinning materials viz. WBF (10%), EPS (15%), PVP (5%) and electrospinning parameters viz. applied voltage (10 kV) and tip to collector distance (15 cm) were optimised using response surface methodology to produce fine nanofibres to achieve maximum encapsulation efficiency (100%) and GIT tolerance (97%). The probiotic yeast was successfully encapsulated in nanofibre and investigated for potential properties. The survival of encapsulated S. fibuligera VIT-MN04 was increased compared to the free cells during in vitro digestion. In addition, encapsulated yeast cells retained their viability during storage at 4°C for 56 days. The nanofibres were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. This work provides an efficient approach for encapsulation of probiotic yeast with the nanofibres which can also broaden the application of the prebiotic like WBF providing an idea for the efficient preparation of functional synbiotic supplements in the food industry.

An in vitro study of lipase inhibitory peptides obtained from de-oiled rice bran

De-oiled rice bran (DORB) is a potentially useful by-product of the rice bran oil industry.

Fortification of durum wheat spaghetti and common wheat bread with wheat bran protein concentrate-impacts on nutrition and technological properties

Plant industrial by-products have generally low value but can be a good source of nutritional compounds. Wheat bran is the main by-product of wheat milling and contains >15% high-quality proteins. Extraction of wheat bran proteins (WBPC) and inclusion in spaghetti and bread formulations was studied to determine if the nutritional properties of these foods could be enhanced without deleterious effects on quality. Semolina was substituted with WBPC at 0, 1, 5, 10 and 20% (w/w) and made into spaghetti and a commercial bread flour was substituted with WBPC at 0, 1, 5 and 10% w/w and made into bread. Both spaghetti protein content (12.3 to 23.4%) and total essential amino acids (3.76 to 7.59%) increased with added WBPC. Overall spaghetti quality was acceptable up to 10%WBPC and superior to wholemeal, especially in appearance. However, the bread formulation used was very sensitive to WBPC especially above 1% addition.

Rheological properties of milk-based desserts with the addition of oat gum and κ-carrageenan

A growing interest in development of milk desserts with good nutritional and rheological properties can be observed. A good and stability rheological as well as nutritional properties of such desserts can be provided by applying suitably composed gum mixtures. In this work, the effect of 0.1% κ-carrageenan addition on the rheological properties of based-milk desserts with different oat gum concentrations (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%) was investigated. All milk desserts tested in presented study showed a time dependent and shear-thinning flow behavior. The mechanical spectra were characterized by storage module (G’) greater than loss module (G”), typical for viscoelastic materials such as gels and dispersions. The incorporation of 0.1% κ-carrageenan into milk dessert with different oat gum concentrations allows to obtain stronger gel structure compared to milk dessert with separate oat gum addition. It can be also observed that desserts systems with the 0.1% κ-carrageenan had more stable viscoelastic properties. Moreover, the use the κ-carrageenan addition caused an increase in consistency coefficient (K) and decreased in n-value for Ostwald de Waele rheological model. Combined addition of oat gum and carrageenan allows to obtain milk dessert with stronger texture. The hardness of milk desserts range from 0.32 to 0.49 N for desserts without κ-carrageenan addition and from 0.513 to 0.557 N for desserts with κ-carrageenan. The high synergistic effect of composed gum mixtures on rheological properties of milk dessert occurs at 0.1% oat gum and 0.1% κ-carrageenan concentration.

Cathepsins: Proteases that are vital for survival but can also be fatal

The state of enzymes in the human body determines the normal physiology or pathology, so all the six classes of enzymes are crucial. Proteases, the hydrolases, can be of several types based on the nucleophilic amino acid or the metal cofactor needed for their activity. Cathepsins are proteases with serine, cysteine, or aspartic acid residues as the nucleophiles, which are vital for digestion, coagulation, immune response, adipogenesis, hormone liberation, peptide synthesis, among a litany of other functions. But inflammatory state radically affects their normal roles. Released from the lysosomes, they degrade extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and elastin, mediating parasite infection, autoimmune diseases, tumor metastasis, cardiovascular issues, and neural degeneration, among other health hazards. Over the years, the different types and isoforms of cathepsin, their optimal pH and functions have been studied, yet much information is still elusive. By taming and harnessing cathepsins, by inhibitors and judicious lifestyle, a gamut of malignancies can be resolved. This review discusses these aspects, which can be of clinical relevance.

Phytochemicals in whole grain wheat and their health-promoting effects

Accumulated evidence in epidemiological studies has consistently shown that consumption of whole grains (WGs) is inversely associated with risk of major chronic diseases such as certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Dietary fiber (DF) has been reported to be responsible for the health effects of WG consumption. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies is emerging that, in addition to DF and minerals, the unique phytochemicals in WGs may in part contribute to these health-promoting effects. WGs are rich sources of various phytochemicals. However, phytochemical contents and profiles in WG wheat are not systematically summarized yet, and the rapid rate of discovery of wheat phytochemicals necessitates an update on the current state of this field. Furthermore, the biological roles of phytochemicals in protective effects of WGs are also relatively underestimated compared to DFs. This manuscript summarized current research literature regarding phytochemicals that have been identified and characterized from wheat grains and wheat bran, and their corresponding contributions to the major health benefits of WG wheat consumption.

Copper content in cereals grown in the model condition

The consumption of cereals in Slovakia but also worldwide is increasing by every year. From 30000 to 50000 tons of mercury circulates thought the biosphere that gets into the atmosphere degassing of the earth's crust and world oceans. Trace element as copper is one of the most efficient antioxidants in the body, often referred to as an element of beauty. It acts as a powerful catalyst for many enzymes and vitamins, through which already small amounts affects many activities in the body (strengthens immunity, reduces levels of histamine). It accumulates in the barley, beans, cucumber, nuts or milk and so on. The aim of our work was the evaluation of transfer of mercury from sludge to edible part of chosen cereals. The objectives were achieved in simulated conditions of growing pot experiment. We used agricultural soil from the location of Výčapy - Opatovce for the realization of the experiment. The sludge, which was added at various doses, was taken from Central Spiš area from locality of Rudňany near the village where minedironore that contains mainly cooper and mercury during last few decades was. We used three types of cereals: barley (Hordeum sativum L.) variety PRESTIGE, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ISJARISSA and oat (Avena sativa L.) variety TATRAN. The length of growing season was 90 days. From the obtained results of two years can be concluded that the accumulation of cooper by seed follows barley ˂ oat ˂ wheat. Even though that the barley is characterized by the highest accumulation of cooper in the seeds, the content did not exceed the maximum level specified by The Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic (CA SR). The results shows that the suitable cultivation of the cereals in localities, which are contaminated with heavy metals, especially by cooper, that the high content of cooper in soil do not pose a risk of accumulation of the metal into the cereal grain.

Effects of Blends of Low-Protein Winter Wheat Flour and Barley Byproducts on Quality Changes in Noodles

The physicochemical characteristics of fresh noodles made with blends of low-protein wheat flour and barley byproduct (BBP, 250 μm) were investigated. The crude protein contents (PC) of flour from Goso and Backjoong cultivars were 7.91% and 7.67%, respectively. PC and β-glucan contents from the BBP were 14.10% and 3.11%, respectively, which were higher than those in wheat flour. The water-holding capacity (WHC) of various blends was increased as a function of BBP but not gluten contents. Goso flour had the highest starch content (78.68%), with peak and final viscosities of 3,099 and 3,563 cp, respectively. Peak and final viscosities, trough, breakdown, and setback of the blends were decreased with the addition of BBP. Noodles made with Backjoong had the highest thickness score, while the hardness of noodles made with blends of Goso or Backjoong and 20% BBP were similar to those made from wheat flour only. The WHC of the samples was strongly correlated with PC, crude fiber, and β-glucan. The PC was not correlated with final viscosity, setback, thickness, hardness, gumminess, or chewiness.

Side Streams of Plant Food Processing As a Source of Valuable Compounds: Selected Examples

Industrial processing of plant-derived raw materials generates enormous amounts of by-products. On one hand, these by-products constitute a serious disposal issue because they often emerge seasonally and are prone to microbial decay. On the other hand, they are an abundant source of valuable compounds, in particular secondary plant metabolites and cell wall materials, which may be recovered and used to functionalize foods and replace synthetic additives with ingredients of natural origin. This review covers 150 references and presents select studies performed between 2001 and 2016 on the recovery, characterization, and application of valuable constituents from grape pomace, apple pomace, potato peels, tomato pomace, carrot pomace, onion peels, by-products of citrus, mango, banana, and pineapple processing, side streams of olive oil production, and cereal by-products. The criteria used were economic importance, amounts generated, relevance of side streams as a source of valuable compounds, and reviews already published. Despite a plethora of studies carried out on the utilization of side streams, relatively few processes have yet found industrial application.

Use of bran fractions and debranned kernels for the development of pasta with high nutritional and healthy potential

The quality of pasta produced with debranning products (bran fractions, BF, and debranned kernels, DK) of durum wheat was investigated by evaluating their total antioxidant capacity, occurrence of nutritional and bioactive compounds, and sensory properties. Two pasta samples, produced with BF-enriched semolina (BF pasta) or only with micronized DK (DK pasta), respectively, were compared with pasta made with traditional semolina (control pasta). BF pasta and DK pasta displayed significantly higher content of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and dietary fibre, than control pasta, to a different extent for the diverse compounds. The present study indicates that the debranning process allows to produce pasta with a high content of healthy compounds and minimal effects on sensory properties, using only the natural endowment of durum wheat. This approach is suitable to produce cereal-based foods with the potential nutritional and health benefits of partially refined cereals and limitation of their main drawbacks.

The content of mercury in various types of cereals that were grown in the model conditions

The consumption of cereals in Slovakia but also worldwide is increasing by every year. From 30000 to 50000 tons of mercury circulates throught the biosphere that gets into the atmosphere degassing of the earth's crust and world oceans. Mercury affects CNS and causes its disorders. The high doses of mercury causes a lot of different changes of personality as well as increased agitation, memory lossorinsomnia. It can also affect other organ systems such as the kidney. The exposure level is reflected in the concentration of mercury in blood and urine. The aim of our work was the evaluation of transfer of mercury from sludge to edible part of chosen cereals. The objectives were achieved in simulated conditions of growing pot experiment. We used agricultural soil from the location of Výčapy - Opatovce for the realization of the experiment. The sludge, which was added atvarious doses, was taken from Central Spiš area from locality of Rudňany near the village where minedironore that contains mainly copperand mercury during last few decades was. We used three types of cereals: barley (Hordeum sativum L.) variety PRESTIGE, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ISJARISSA and oat (Avena sativa L.) variety TATRAN. The length of growing season was 90 days. From the obtained results of two years can be concluded that the accumulation of mercury by seed follows wheat ˂ barley ˂ oat. Even though that the oat is characterized by the highest accumulation of mercuryin the seeds, the content did not exceed the maximum level sspecified by The Codex Alimentarius of Slovak Republic. The results shows that the suitable cultivation of the cereals in localities, which are contaminated with heavy metals, especially by mercury, that the high content of mercury in soil do not pose a risk of accumulation of the metal into the cereal grain.