First determination of mineral composition of the leaf Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) used in human nourishment in the Midwest of Brazil and comparasion with dietary reference intakes for children and adults

Abstract

Introduction: Radicchio (Cichorium intybus L.) is a leaf chicory and is grown as a leaf vegetable which usually has white-veined red or purple leaves and it belongs to the Asteraceae family. In several countries is consumed mainly as salad, but no studies on their elemental composition has been done, principally in Brazil. Objective:The aim of present work was to measure the macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Al, Cd, Ni, Co and Si) in the leaf Chicory used as human nourishment in the Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.Method: Chemical digests of samples were prepared using HNO 3 and H 2 O 2 and then placed in the microwave digestion system. After digestion, the concentrations of the elements in leaf chicory were determined by the technique of Inductively Coupled Plasma -Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES, Thermo Scientific -iCAP 6000 Series). Results obtained of the concentrations of leaf chicory were compared with the dietary reference intakes.Results: Detected concentration of macroelements in leaf chicory decreases in the order: K > P > Ca > Mg > Na. As well as the con- IntroductionThe nutrition is one of the main factors of concern and are a major cause of mortality in old age [1]. According the World Health Organization (WHO), the malnutrition contribute to more than one third of all child deaths. Due to rising food prices, lack of access to highly nutritious foods is a common cause of malnutrition. There are others factors that contribute to malnutrition such as inadequate breastfeeding and the wrong foods [2]. The WHO estimate in 2013 was that 5.2 million deaths worldwide would be attributable to inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables [3]. At present, only a small minority of the world's population consumes the average intake of fruits and vegetables recommended by countries or health services. In fact, studies have found that regular intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and hypertension [4].In fact, vegetables can be healthy alternatives to human food. Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients and are recommended for supplementation of diet in human. In this context, Brazil has great number of vegetables and wide variety of fruits that is not yet well investigated [5]. Vegetables as Cichorium intybus Linnaeus (leaf chicory) are important foods in the diet of the Brazilian people as well as in others countries [6]. Chicory is a traditional European horticultural crop [7]. In Brazil and Italy, the leaf chicory is called "radicchio", being consumed mainly as salad. Radicchio production has increased in Brazil, where it is currently considered an important vegetable due to high proportion of the agricultural income. Radicchio is a perennial, and has a quick growing with red-colored leafy ( Figure 2) [8]. In recent work [6], the botanical classification the genus Cichorium is reported and a detailed description of the most important cultivated biotypes is prese...

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a food ingredient – Nutritional composition, bioactivity, safety, and health claims: A review

“…Harrington et al (2006) noticed the benefits of mineral composition of chicory root along with some common pasture weeds such as perennial ryegrass, white clover, and dandelion, due to the content of P, S, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn and B. Rosa et al (2017) reported also the presence of Cr (0.0736 mg/100 g), Al (14.602 mg/100 g), Cd (0.019 mg/100 g), Ni (0.0574 mg/100 g), Co (0.0149 mg/100 g) and Si (6.78 mg/100 g), in chicory leaves.…”

Chemical composition of chicory root ash (Cichorium intybus L.)depending on the yield level

“…Chicory roots can contain up to 7.3% ash [16], which includes a variety of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and sodium, and the content of these compounds exceeds many herbaceous plants [17], which makes chicory tops a valuable animal feed. However, chicory can accumulate a significant part of heavy metals in the leaves, for example, the concentration of chromium, aluminium, cadmium, nickel, and cobalt [18], can exceed the limit standards, and the use of such products in food is not allowed. The content of calcium and magnesium in chicory leaves is 6-17 g/kg and 1.4-2.2 g/kg of raw mass, but due to the high digestibility of silicon (more than 4% by weight of ash) and trace elements, chicory leaves can only be consumed from products grown on substrates without an excess of heavy metals [9; 19].…”