Minor and Trace Elements Evaluation of Pulses Consumed in Rawalpindi-Islamabad Area

Abstract

Abstract The concentration of 18 essential and toxic elements has been measured in four different varieties of the pulses consumed in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad area employing neutron activation analysis. The pulses were analysed with and without scales. Among the four varieties of the pulses, lentil (lens esculenta) was found to contain higher amounts of essential elements and lower amounts of toxic elements. The comparison of pulses with other food items shows that pulses are also a suitable source of trace elements. The weekly intake of essential and toxic elements through pulses was estimated and compared with the recommended values. The estimated intake of essential elements is adequate and that of toxic elements is well below the tolerance limits.