Trace Element Concentration and Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis in Blueberries and Bilberries: A Tool for Quality and Authenticity Control

Abstract

Vaccinium genus berries—wild bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and cultivated highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)—are consumed worldwide, and their consumption has a trend of stable increase. Thus, considering their wide use in ethnomedicine, for juice and jam production, as functional food, as well as their use in preparations of extracts which have application potential in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, studies regarding the composition of these berries are of special importance. The aim of this study is to characterise the elemental and isotopic composition, as well as variation in element concentration in bilberries gathered from different sites in Northern Europe and in commercially available blueberry samples from across the World. Furthermore, our aim was to develop tools for authenticity and quality control of these berries. The elemental composition of berries was analysed using inductively coupled plasma with optical emission detection (ICP-OED), while isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was used for the determination of isotope ratio values. The results demonstrated detectable differences between macro- and microelement values in bilberries. IRMS analysis of blueberries revealed significant differences in isotope ratios based on the place of origin, indicating the possibility to use this analytical method for authenticity testing. In none of the samples, pollution was detected, even though there were indications of different growth conditions and geochemical differences affecting bilberry composition.

Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Medicinal Plants

“…The expanding demand for a berry-rich diet has led to an expansion in the consumption and management of two Vaccinium genus berries. Those breeds are the V. myrtillus , or wild berries, and V. corymbosum , or cultivated berries [ 40 ]. Over the last five years, the production of blueberry has mainly been focused in North America [ 41 ], accounting for over 80% of world production [ 42 ], and with a production that reached over 1 million (M) tons in 2021 [ 40 , 43 ].…”

“…Those breeds are the V. myrtillus , or wild berries, and V. corymbosum , or cultivated berries [ 40 ]. Over the last five years, the production of blueberry has mainly been focused in North America [ 41 ], accounting for over 80% of world production [ 42 ], and with a production that reached over 1 million (M) tons in 2021 [ 40 , 43 ]. The U.S. registered a 106% increase in blueberry production from 2007 to 2016 [ 42 ].…”

Authentication of berries and berry‐based food products

“…Coupled with forward stepwise DA, the combination of different methods provided with 100% correct classification of the samples, based on light stable isotope ratios, as well as elemental and carotenoid profiles. Recently, Klavins et al (2021) employed inductively conducted plasma spectrometry with optical emission detection and IRMS to analyze variation in elemental composition and isotopic ratios of elements in blueberries and bilberries of different origin. Significant differences in element contents were detected in blueberries, whereas IRMS coupled with PCA successfully clustered bilberries from Norway, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania into distinct clusters.…”

Investigation of Polymeric Nanoparticles Encapsulating Natural Sources for Targeting of Cancer

“…Two berries from the Vaccinium genus are being consumed and managed more frequently as a result of rising demand for berry-rich diets. These varieties are V. myrtillus, which are wild berries, or V. corymbosum, which are grown berries [9]. Over the past ve years, North America has dominated blueberry production, making up more than 80% of global production [10] and expected to produce more than 1 million (M) tonnes by 2021 [12].…”