Determination of Essential Minerals and Trace Elements in Edible Sprouts from Different Botanical Families-Application of Chemometric Analysis.

Justyna Dobrowolska-Iwanek,Isabel Saraiva De Carvalho,Paweł Paśko,Pol Salvans Rubio,Agnieszka Galanty,Marek Szlósarczyk,Jadwiga Kryczyk-Kozioł,Maria Fołta,Paweł Zagrodzki

doi:10.3390/foods11030371

Justyna Dobrowolska-Iwanek, Isabel Saraiva De Carvalho + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030371

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Abstract

Background: elemental deficiency may result in the malfunctioning of human organisms. Sprouts, with their attractive looks and well-established popularity, may be considered as alternative sources of elements in the diet. Moreover, the uptake of micro- and macronutrients from sprouts is better when compared to other vegetable sources. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the level of the selected essential minerals and trace elements in 25 sprouts from different botanical families, to preselect the richest species of high importance for human diets. Methods: the Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca determinations were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization and iodine by the colorimetric method. Results: beetroot sprouts had the highest levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg, while onion sprouts were the richest in Mn and Ca, among all of the tested sprouts. Sprouts of the Brassicaceae family were generally richer in Ca, Mg, and Zn than sprouts from the Fabaceae family. Results allow preselection of the most perspective sprouts as possible dietary sources of essential minerals and trace elements. For rucola, leeks, onions, and beetroot sprouts, the data on minerals and trace element compositions were performed for the first time.

Highlights

Essential minerals and trace elements are crucial for the proper maintenance of the human body, due to the direct impact on its metabolic and physiological functions
Except for supplementing essential minerals and trace elements, in the form of tablets or capsules, the strategy for preventing such deficiencies includes the constant search for novel components of the human diet, rich in macro- and micronutrients
It is well documented that sprouts of different botanical origins can be good sources of proteins, sugars, fats, and dietary fibers [4]

Summary

Introduction

Essential minerals and trace elements are crucial for the proper maintenance of the human body, due to the direct impact on its metabolic and physiological functions. Except for supplementing essential minerals and trace elements, in the form of tablets or capsules, the strategy for preventing such deficiencies includes the constant search for novel components of the human diet, rich in macro- and micronutrients Sprouts, with their attractive looks, distinctive tastes, delicate textures, and well-established popularity among consumers, may be considered possible alternative sources of the elements. Growing sprouts is a cheap and easy process that does not require sophisticated equipment and that provides high yields All of these features make sprouts from different botanic families alternative sources of phytoconstituents and minerals, important for human health [3,15,16,17,18]. Due to the fact that sprouts are harvested at such an early stage of plant growth, and are intended for eating as a whole, with the seeds, they are the richest in nutrients and phytochemicals, compared to plants at the later stages of development [2]

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