Micro- and macroelement contents in the liver of farm and wild animals and the health risks involved in liver consumption

Abstract

The paper presents the macroelement (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn) and microelement (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Sn) contents found in the liver of wild animals (boar and deer) and farm animals (rabbit, chicken, duck, cow, goat, and turkey). Statistically, the differences in element contents between the two groups were not significant (at p = 0.05), with the exception of Fe, K, Mg, Cd, Hg, Mo, and Pb. The liver of farm animals contained more Al, Cu, K, Mg, Na, Cr, and Sn, while the content of the remaining elements was higher in wild animals. An analysis of correlations between element content and age in wild animals (boar) showed that Pb and Al content increases with age, while Na and Cr contents decrease significantly. Comparisons between the test results and the maximum limits allowed by law showed that, in the case of wild animals, the regulatory limits were exceeded in 18% (for Cd and Cu) and 9% (for Hg) of the liver samples analyzed. In the case of farm animals, the limits for micro- and macroelement contents were not exceeded. The hazard index (HI) values for farm animals were lower than for wild animals, with regard to consumption by both children and adults. Based on the HI values calculated, it seems recommendable that consumption of the liver (preferably from farm animals) by children be limited to once weekly. For adults, the liver can be a valuable source of elements such as Zn, Fe, and Cr, which may be an indication for more frequent consumption.

Content of Selected Macro- and Microelements in the Liver of Free-Living Wild Boars (Sus scrofa L.) from Agricultural Areas and Health Risks Associated with Consumption of Liver

“…Similar values were also reported by Pilarczyk et al [29]. Kicińska et al [15] reported that in scenarios with daily and weekly consumption of animal liver, the final HI calculated for children was approx. 3.5 times higher than for adults.…”

“…3.5 times higher than for adults. Kicińska et al [15] reported a potential risk to health associated with the consumption of liver from game animals (HI > 1). In contrast, Lazarus et al [48] indicated that consumption of game meat and liver in Croatia did not pose a health risk to consumers, regardless of the exposure scenario.…”

“…Lead and cadmium are one of the most common contaminants with a tendency towards bioaccumulation by both plants and animals and inefficient processes of natural detoxification. When absorbed by the mammalian organism, Cd and Pb accumulate mainly in the liver and kidneys [10,14,15]. The tendencies towards accumulation of Cd and Pb and the lack of an effective mechanism for elimination thereof pose a potentially serious threat to animal and human health [14].…”

Effects of Bacillus cereus and coumarin on growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and meat quality in broilers

“…Therefore, our study was conducted to obtain additional information on this topic. However, the literature about micro- and macronutrients in the liver of farm animals [ 45 ] shows the dependence of substance concentrations on the environment and feed factors.…”

Lebanese Population Exposure to Trace Elements via White Bread Consumption

“…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]. Co is a transition metal with two oxidation states Co (II) and Co (III) and is essential as part of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) involved in folate and fatty acid and the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids [25].…”