CONTENT OF MACROELEMENTS, TRACE ELEMENTS AND TOXIC METALS IN COMMERCIAL HONEYS

Introduction: Honey is the natural product produced by honey bees from the nectar of flowers. This sweet substance is consumed as a sweetener. The composition of honey is influenced by many factors, among which the environment is found. The increase of the environmental pollution and the capacity of bioaccumulation of metals in the honeys makes it necessary to determine the content of metals in this food. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the content of the elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg), essential and non-essential trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn, Mo, Co, B, Ba, Ni, Sr, V, Li) and toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb) to evaluate the nutritional contribution and the toxic risk Logic taking into account the recommended and maximum intake values, respectively. Material and methods: A total of 30 samples of commercial honeys acquired in large areas of the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) have been analyzed through ICP OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). Results and discussion: K (879 mg/kg wet weight) is the most important element. Whereas, of the trace elements, the level of B (3.56 mg/kg ph) and Mn (3.00 mg/kg p. h) is notable. The Al (2.96 mg/kg ph) is the toxic metal that stands out, followed by Pb (0.04 mg/kg ph) and Cd (0.003 mg/kg ph). The consumption of 25 g/day of these honeys would be a significant contribution of Mn (3.26% men, 4.17% women) as well as a contribution percentage of 2.92% of the TDI of Pb. Conclusion: The consumption of these honeys would not pose a risk to the health of the adults.