Long-Aged Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: Trace Element Determination Targeted to Health

Abstract

The concentrations of four health-related trace elements were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in long-ripened (24- and 40-months) Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) PDO cheese, obtained from both summer and winter milk. To date, there are limited data on PR trace element concentrations, and no data about long-ripened cheese, especially when ripened for 40 months. Thus, the aim of this investigation is to determine chromium, manganese, selenium, and zinc concentrations, improving the available data on these trace elements and increasing knowledge of the biological properties of PR linked to their content in this cheese. The results show that 40-month ripened PR is a source of selenium and chromium, according to definitions under the European Regulation 1924/2006, as a 30 g cheese portion contains 11 ± 2 μg (summer milk) and 10 ± 1 μg (winter milk) of selenium and 8 ± 1 μg (summer and winter milk) of chromium, providing in excess of 8.25 and 6 μg per portion, respectively. This represents 15% of nutrient reference intake values for adults. These findings allow for the claim to be made that PR possesses the health properties ascribed to food sources of selenium and chromium according to European Regulation 432/2012.

Elemental Fingerprinting of Pecorino Romano and Pecorino Sardo PDO: Characterization, Authentication and Nutritional Value

“…The concentration of elements in foods can be affected by various factors, including climate and translocation from soil, water, and air [ 19 ]. Research has shown that elemental fingerprints of dairy products can be used to discriminate their geographical origin [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], verify their PDO authenticity [ 20 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ], identify breeding methods [ 30 ], assess production processes [ 31 ], and trace the production chain [ 32 ]. Accurate sampling is necessary to achieve these goals and encompass all variables that can influence the elemental fingerprint.…”

Impacts of Long-Term Micronutrient Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties and Micronutrient Availability

“…Today, more than 50% of soil lacks micronutrients, which directly leads to a reduction in the crop yield and quality of agricultural products. More than 2 billion people in the world are in a state of malnutrition, and the lack of micronutrients has had an adverse impact on human health [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. This deficiency is mainly caused by the availability of micronutrients, which cannot provide a sufficient amount necessary for plant uptake.…”

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Is It Possible and Sustainable for Bridging Health and Food?

“…Santarcangelo et al [ 7 ] reported that the long-ripened Parmigiano Reggiano Italian cheese has a beneficial content of minerals, indicating that it is an interesting food source, of selenium and chromium, among the others, which have beneficial health properties according to European Regulation 432/2012. The characteristics and health-promoting properties of green banana flours have been reported in the study of Khoza et al [ 8 ].…”