Essential and non-essential elements in Brazilian infant food and other rice-based products frequently consumed by children and celiac population

Abstract

Rice and its derivatives are important source of essential and non-essential elements. Essential elements as cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) are vital for human homeostasis. However, non-essential elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may be present in rice-based food and consequently, people can be exposed—especially children and the celiac population. This study aimed to determine essentials and non-essentials elements in rice-based products and baby food and also to evaluate nutritional risk by estimating the daily intake of non-essential elements. Regarding essential elements, Co and Se presented the highest concentrations in rice flour (56μgkg−1) and porridge (254μgkg−1), respectively. For non-essential elements, the highest concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were 104μgkg−1 (porridge), 16μgkg−1 (flour), and 188μgkg−1 (bread), respectively. Total As concentration in Brazilian rice-based baby food was <29μgkg−1. However, As-speciation revealed inorganic-As (i-As) as the main specie. The highest estimated daily intake of Cd, Pb and i-As were 1.37 (rice-based baby food); 10.39 (pasta); and 3.34 (pasta) μgd−1, respectively. Therefore, continuous food monitoring for nutritional and toxicological purpose is necessary, especially concerning these particular populations and discussions for maximum levels of non-essential elements.