Assessment of mineral composition and health status of five honey samples from southern Nigeria: drifting towards food quality control

Abstract

Mineral composition, interaction and safety index of five honey samples from southern Nigeria was investigated. Agilent 720 ICP-OES was used for the determination of mineral element concentrations (mg/l). Honey sample from Akure was highest in concentration (570.06 mg/l) while Ijala-Ikeren was lowest (90.25 mg/l). The mean and ranges for minerals were: Akure; 27.15 (0.35–277.14), Ogunmakin; 13.13 (0.26–91.81), Ibadan; 9.05 (0.42–114.53), Agbor; 5.50 (0.01–58.02) and Ijala-Ikeren; 4.11 (0.14–39.81). The coefficient of variance ranged from 12.48–180.27% revealing variations in concentration. The most abundant mineral elements were Ca, 116.26 (39.82–277.14); Mg, 41.05 (3.43–173.05); Na, 33.67 (11.09–70.59); K, 30.08 (11.43–75.14); Zn, 4.60 (0.58–14.04); Al, 3.89 (1.05–8.03); U, 3.17 (2.11–4.53) and Fe, 2.85 (1.88–3.52). Heavy metals like Fe, Ba, Pb, Cr, Ni, Ag, As, Cu, Mn and Cd were above maximum permissible limits. The mineral ratio for Zn/Cu, Fe/Cu, Fe/Pb, and Zn/Cd indicated possible unhealthy interaction. The K/[Ca + Mg] values revealed potential hypomagnesaemic effect if continually consumed. The safety indices were all within recommended range except for Se. The principal component plot showed no particular mineral distribution pattern. Thallium had the highest hazard quotient (2.00–50.00) while the hazard indices were between 3.24 and 53.97 showing potential non-carcinogenic effect. The presence of essential trace and major minerals revealed potential usefulness of the honeys as food supplement; however, the heavy metals presence resonate the need for quality control, food safety and health risk assessment before open marketing.