Minerals and trace elements in Icelandic dairy products and meat

The aim of this study was to update the Icelandic Food Composition Database with respect to minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P) and trace elements (Cu, Fe, Hg, Se, and Zn) in frequently consumed agricultural products and to study the seasonal and geographical variation for these elements. Five food products typical for the Icelandic food basket were analysed: whole milk, fresh cheese (skyr), firm cheese (Gouda), lamb meat and minced beef together with skimmed milk, cream and whey. Concentrations of minerals and trace elements were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Seasonal and geographical variation in whole milk was found only for selenium. Concentration of selenium in meat was variable and especially low for beef (1.4–9.6 μg/100 g fresh weight). Mercury was below the detection limit of 0.3 μg/100 g except for one sample of cheese. Skyr was rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus and retains almost all selenium in the skimmed milk used for its production. Skyr whey contains more calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc than cheese whey. Skyr whey is a nutritious product, almost as rich in calcium, potassium and zinc as whole milk and could be used more by the Icelandic food industry.     

Element differences and evaluation of the dietary intake from farmed oysters and mussels collected at different sites along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1 mg kg⁻¹ in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.     

Estimating the daily intake of essential and nonessential elements from lamb m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum consumed by the population in Missouri (United States)

This paper estimated the daily intake of essential and nonessential elements from lamb muscle longissimus thoracis et lumborum (m. LTL) available to the population in Missouri. Missouri grain-finished (n = 36), Missouri grass-finished (n = 40) and imported New Zealand grass-finished (n = 40) lamb m. LTL were purchased and assayed for their element composition. Total mercury in samples was quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry and other elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Analysis of certified reference materials (DORM-2 and TORT-2) gave recovery rates ranging from 86 to 108% and 85 to 104%, respectively. The abundance of essential elements in Missouri grain-finished and Missouri grass-finished lamb m. LTL followed the order: Potassium > phosphorus > sodium > magnesium > calcium > zinc > iron. The order in the imported New Zealand grass-finished group was: Potassium > phosphorus > sodium > calcium > magnesium > zinc > iron. Since many variables lacked normality, non-parametric (Kruskal–Wallis) comparison test was performed and the results suggested no significant difference (P > 0.05) in element composition among the lamb m. LTL groups. The estimated daily intake of 14 elements from consumption of 100 g lamb m. LTL posed no hazard to consumers.     

Measurement of the total choline content in 48 commercial dairy products or dairy alternatives

In this work, the total choline and choline-containing moieties (free choline, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) of 48 dairy products or dairy alternatives available in Canada were determined by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The average total choline content for one serving of fluid milk and alternative (i.e. 250 mL as defined by Canada's Food Guide) was 32.9 ± 2.4 mg for cow's milk, 24.9 ± 0.1 mg for goat's milk and 31.2 ± 4.2 mg for soy beverage. The average total choline content for one serving of yogurt (175 g) was 25.6 ± 3.2 mg. One serving of cheese (50 g) provided 7.1 ± 1.1 mg of total choline on average. Our data show that for dairy products there is a negative correlation between the total choline content on a dry weight basis and the fat content (r = −0.734, P < 0.001). Overall, we determined the choline content of a variety of dairy products which can supplement the data in the existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) choline database and be used in accurately estimating dietary choline intake in epidemiological studies. Hence, dairy products are a good source of choline with low fat products generally being a better source of choline than high fat dairy products.     

Fatty acid and CLA composition of Brazilian dairy products, and contribution to daily intake of CLA

In the present study, the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) contents of dairy products most consumed by the population living in the southeast region of Brazil (whole milk, “Prato” cheese and butter) were determined. In addition, the contribution of these dairy foods to the daily intake of CLA isomers was estimated. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Quantitative analysis of CLA isomers was done by silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and their identification was achieved by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) of dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivatives. Eleven CLA isomers were identified and the predominant were cis-9,trans-11 and trans-7,cis-9. The total CLA contents in whole milk, “Prato” cheese and butter ranged from 4.0 to 8.4 mg/g fat and were similar to those reported for dairy products from other countries. Whole milk samples had significantly higher contents of total CLA, when compared to “Prato” cheese and butter, and the total CLA contents were significantly different between the commercial brands of each dairy product. The estimated average daily intake of total CLA in southeastern Brazil was 36 mg/day, which was lower than those of European and North American countries, and milk was the main food source of CLA in the diet.     

Metal levels in fodder, milk, dairy products, and tissues sampled in ovine farms of Southern Italy

We measured Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, and Pb levels in samples of fodder, milk, dairy products, and tissues collected from 12 ovine farms in the regions of Campania and Calabria (Southern Italy). The areas in which the farms are located show different levels of anthropogenic pressure. The main purpose of this study is the identification and the analysis of relationships among metal concentrations observed in samples representative of different links in the food chain. Particularly, we apply univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical techniques to identify the correlation structure of our data set and to evaluate the influence of anthropogenic activity. We discuss the results, focusing the analysis on the spatial and the temporal patterns of metal concentrations.     

Determination of zinc concentrations in foods of animal origin,fish and shellfish from Croatia and assessment of their contribution to dietary intake

Zinc concentrations were determined in a total of 121 samples of meat and meat products, fish and fish products and shellfish collected and marketed in Croatia. The concentrations were determined in the following ranges (mg/kg): meat 4.65–64.9, meat products 4.55–51.8, fish 3.12–19.5, fish products 12.3–31.2, mussels 21.1–30.9, oysters 129–431. The highest and lowest mean zinc levels determined were 222 mg/kg in oysters and 6.15 mg/kg in fish. Average zinc recovery of the method used was 100.4% with precision expressed as RSD of 1.5%. Significant differences were found among the tested food items. The estimated mean daily intake (EDI) of zinc in different types of food contributing to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for women and men were (%): meat 0.13–1.29 and 0.09–0.94; oysters 0.93 and 0.67, meat products < 0.5, both; fish, fish products and mussels < 0.15, both. The ranges of the average daily intake of zinc of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intakes (PMTDI) were (%): meat and oysters 1.05–10.3; meat products < 5; fish, fish products and mussels < 1. The results found in tested foods items were similar to results from other countries used for comparison.     

Fatty acid composition of sweet bakery goods and chocolate products and evaluation of overall nutritional quality in relation to the food label information

The study aimed to determine fatty acid (FA) composition of some sweet bakery goods and chocolate products on Turkey market (n = 35) and to evaluate their overall nutritional quality in relation with the nutritional facts on the label. Moreover,“trans fatty acid (TFA)-free” declaration on the label was checked with the current labelling regulations in Turkey. Majority of the sample groups represented the prevalence of palmitic and oleic acid; on the other hand, it was difficult to specify a sample group with a specific FA. Erucic acid, for which European Commission set maximum limits, was not detected in any of the samples. It was observed that total saturated fatty acids (SFA) constituted more than 44 % of total FA. In all cases, total TFA content was lower than 1 % of total FA. Based on nutritional facts on the label, that type of products provide higher energy with the main source of fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, consumption of those products in a diet should be limited not to gain an excess amount of body weight and to have adverse health effects related to higher SFA content. This study can be regarded as a case surveillance study by providing updated data that can be used by Nutritionals and authorities to make risk assessments on consumer health.     

Impacts of sensory attributes and emotional responses on the hedonic ratings of odors in dairy products

Consumers often decide to purchase certain items as a result of prompt emotional responses evoked by the products; therefore, it is important to investigate the emotional responses stimulated by food samples, as well as the sensory attributes of the products. The aim of this study was to examine influences of sensory attribute and emotional response on olfactory hedonic ratings of dairy products. Additionally, we compared this effect between women and men subjects. Sensory attributes of six natural odors produced by commercial dairy products were evaluated by 9 trained panelists. In addition, 100 untrained panelists (50 women and 50 men) rated the emotional response stimulated by the 6 odors using 25 paired semantic differential scales and the hedonicity using a 9 cm line scale, respectively. Untrained panelists more liked “sweet aromatics,” “sour aromatics,” “fermented aromatics,” and “rich aromatics” over the other sensory attributes of dairy products. The olfactory hedonic ratings were increased when the odor was more characterized as “fragrant,” “attractive,” “comfortable,” “familiar,” “faint,” “natural,” or “modern.” Specific sensory attributes were found to be related to specific adjective pairs representing the emotional response. Moreover, the ratings of adjective pairs representing emotional response of odors and their influences on hedonic ratings differed significantly between sexes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the emotional responses as well as the sensory attributes affect the hedonic ratings of odors in dairy products.     

Assay of sodium in food: Comparison of different preparation methods and assay techniques

Excessive salt consumption has recently awakened considerable worldwide interest because of its serious health implications. Consequently, European authorities have stated that salt content has to be clearly indicated on the food labels. In order to choose one protocol to determine the sodium content, three preparation methods (dispersion in water, wet digestion and dry ashing) and four analytical techniques (flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and thermometric endpoint titrimetry (TET)) have been compared. As indirect methods based on the assay of chloride could lead to wrong results, especially when food additives are involved in the recipes, it was chosen not to include them in this study. After an evaluation of analytical parameters, each combination, preparation mode and analytical technique, was tested with samples of tomato ketchup sauce. If all of them can fit to the purpose (recovery rates close to 100% and low dispersion of the results), two possibilities were pointed out: dry ashing with FAAS and the dispersion combined with TET.     

Validation of an ICP-OES method for macro and trace element determination in Laminaria and Porphyra seaweeds from four different countries

An Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) method for speedy simultaneous determination of 12 elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr and Zn) in seaweeds used as human food was optimized and then validated according to Eurachem guidelines. First, instrumental parameters (nebulizer argon flow rate and incident power) were optimized and then analytical lines free from spectral interferences were selected. The method was validated using biological Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). Intra- and inter-assay precision varied from 0.79% to 5.74% and from 2.48% to 8.57%, respectively, depending on the element studied. Within the experimental error, concentrations measured for each element coincided with certified values. Sensitivities, linearity and detection and quantification limits were also determined. Samples of seaweeds (Porphyra and Laminaria) from France, Spain, Korea and Japan were analyzed by using the optimized and validated method. Some considerations on element composition of analyzed samples were made. Seaweeds from the Korean and Japanese coasts tended to display the highest concentrations of P and Al. In contrast, French Porphyra samples showed the lowest levels of Ba, Cu, Fe and Mn. Because great differences in element concentrations were observed due to costal origin and genus, any generalization regarding the algal mineral content may be considered misleading and scientifically inappropriate.     

Content and variability of vitamin D and iodine in processed egg products in the United States (U.S.)

Iodine and vitamin D deficiencies among specific subpopulations within the U.S. are of concern. Eggs, including processed forms, can be an important dietary source of iodine, vitamin D₃, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃. Processed eggs (dried and frozen liquid forms of whole eggs, yolks, and whites) are used in food manufacturing and foodservice. Samples were obtained from six U.S. processors (up to three production lots per category), to examine analytical iodine and vitamin D values and variability measures. Samples and quality control materials were sent to USDA validated analytical laboratories. Nutrient values were statistically compared after adjusting the values for moisture content, with each nutrient dataset modeled separately using linear mixed models. No significant differences were found for vitamin D₃, 25(OH)D₃ or iodine content of dried eggs compared to frozen liquid eggs by their whole egg and yolk parts, on a dry weight basis. Updated values and variability data for processed eggs were incorporated into FoodData Central, the U.S. Department of Agriculture food composition database. These data contribute valuable information for estimating U.S. intake amounts of iodine and vitamin D.     

大理市售梅产品中山梨酸、苯甲酸和糖精钠的 分析与评价

摘要:目的　了解大理市售梅产品中山梨酸、苯甲酸和糖精钠的使用情况。方法　采用高效液相色谱法,对随机选取的大理市售梅产品5大类、22种不同口味类型的66个梅子样本,分别检测山梨酸、苯甲酸和糖精钠含量并进行结果分析。结果　苯甲酸、山梨酸和糖精钠检出最高检出含量值分别为298.1mg/kg、254.0 mg/kg和774.7 mg/kg,均未超出国家卫生标准最大使用量。结论　本次采集的大理市售梅子产品山梨酸、苯甲酸和糖精钠的最高检出含量未超出国家卫生标准最大使用量,但不同品牌和种类梅产品中均检出了所测食品添加剂,应该加强梅产品的抽查和监督力度,保障食品安全。