Human exposure assessment to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from tofu consumption.

Soraya Paz,Arturo Hardisson,Dailos González-Weller,Carmen Rubio,Ángel J Gutiérrez

doi:10.1007/s11356-021-13076-5

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (V, B, Ba, Li, Sr, Cr, Ni, Al, Pb, Cd) were determined in 130 samples of different tofu types (natural, flavored, smoked, and fresh made) by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). Al was the most notable element found with the highest concentration (6.71 mg/kg ww) found in flavored tofu. Ni level (0.38 mg/kg) stands out in smoked tofu. European tofu has higher PTE levels than Chinese tofu. Organic-produced tofu has higher PTE concentrations than conventional produced tofu. A total of 200 g/day of smoked tofu confers a contribution percentage of 39.6% of its TDI (tolerable daily intake). In addition, 200 g/day of flavored tofu would mean a high Pb contribution with a 23.2% of the BMDL (benchmark dose level) set in 0.63 μg/kg bw/day to the development of nephrotoxicity. Mean consumption would not pose a risk to adults' health. Considering the obtained results, it would be advisable to establish limits for certain metals such as Pb, Al, and Ni in this type of product. Furthermore, it is recommendable to set consumer guidelines to some tofu types in order to avoid excessive intake of PTEs.

Highlights

One the most important food in the diet of the Asian countries is the tofu
Al was the most notable element found with the highest concentration (6.71 mg/kg ww) found in flavoured tofu
Tofu is a product made by the fermentation of soybeans

Summary

Introduction

One the most important food in the diet of the Asian countries is the tofu. Tofu is an important source of proteins, lipids, vitamins, amino acids and minerals (Serrazanetti et al, 2013; Xu et al, 2015) and, as a result, tofu is a key product in the vegetarians and vegans diets, where is used as a meat products substitute (Fang et al, 2005; Serrazanetti et al, 2013; Meng et al, 2016). The diet is the main route of human exposure to pollutants from natural and anthropogenic sources (Bocio et al, 2005; Di Bella et al, 2020), especially due to the use of fertilizers and industrial activity. Toxic elements (PTEs) such as aluminium (Al), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) tend to accumulate, do not have any function in the human body and are harmful to health (Marini et al, 2021)

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Conclusion