Nickel Risk Assessment through the Consumption of Flour-Based Products and Cereals

Abstract

Flour-based products and cereals are one of the most consumed food items in Armenia. The aim of this study is to conduct Ni risk assessment through the consumption of flour-based products and cereals. The consumption data of flour-based products and cereals has been gathered through a 24-hour recall survey, including 1400 adult respondents of the Republic of Armenia. Ni risk assessment has been conducted through a Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach. Ni contents were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values ranged from 8.63E-06 to 5.55E-04 mg/kg bw per day and did not exceed the threshold. The average EDI was equal to 1.53E-04 mg/kg bw per day. In all the regions, MOE values were lower than 30 in case of the intake of bread, lavash, buckwheat, emmer and groat. In case of pasta intake, the MOEs were lower than 30 only in Armavir and Lori regions, while in other regions MOEs were slightly above 30. Only for rice, the MOE values were higher than 30, indicating no possible health risks. Overall, the intake of products with MOEs lower than 30 may cause health problems and allergies, especially for Ni sensitized individuals.