Concentrations of toxic and essential elements in Lebanese bread

Abstract

Concentrations of 20 minor, trace, and ultratrace elements relevant to human health (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, V, and Zn) were determined in three varieties of Lebanese bread (white and brown double loaf bread, Saj bread) sampled at five geographical regions (Grand Beirut, South of Lebanon, North of Lebanon, Mount of Lebanon, and Beka’a) during the wet and dry seasons. The analyses were carried out by double-focusing sector-field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (DF-SF-ICP-MS). The data were discussed in terms of nutritional elements supplied by type of bread, the risk of contamination by toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb) owing to the manufacturing process, and variations related to geographic distribution and seasonal sampling.

Dietary Intake and Content of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in Selected Cereal Products Marketed in Poland

“…Also, previous studies involving 10 types of Polish bread showed an identical relationship [ 36 ]. Similarly, Khouzam et al [ 37 ] demonstrated that in Lebanese bread, the relationship between the content of microelements can be represented as Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. Their values were 1.7–6 mg Cu, 8.2–40.9 mg Zn, 7.5–58.7 mg Mn, and 15.7–59.4 mg Fe per 1 kg, respectively.…”

Lebanese Population Exposure to Trace Elements via White Bread Consumption

“…Bread is a source of energy and minerals, some of them being essential for the body. Essential minerals found in Lebanese bread are Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Se which account for 36%, 25%, 30%, 22%, and 32% of respective recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values given for these elements [1].…”

“…Previous studies in Egypt, Iran, South Africa, Nigeria, and Portugal determined TEs contents in bread [18,19,20,21,22]. In Lebanon, Bou Khouzam and co-authors [1] determined the contents of 20 elements in three varieties of Lebanese bread (i.e., white, brown pita, and Saj bread) throughout the country during the wet and dry seasons. Toxic elements such as Cd and Pb were below maximum levels set by the Lebanese regulatory agency, (The Lebanese Standards Institution—Libnor) [23].…”

“…The Lebanese standards [23] provide only Pb, Cu, and Cd maximum levels in bread as food item contamination vectors. However, other TEs could be present [1,13]. As exposition represents the combination of consumption of bread potentially contaminated, it is of first interest to compare exposure with safety levels in order to monitor any safety preoccupation concerns for the Lebanese population.…”

“…As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb were selected in this study based on previous studies of trace element composition of Lebanese bread [1,13] and based on the Lebanese bread standard Libnor, NL 240 [23]. In contrast to heavy metals known to be toxic, such as Pb, Cd or Hg, some elements, such as Cr and Co, are essential elements giving benefit to the body, the liver being a valuable source of elements [24].…”