The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in eggs: A global systematic review, meta-analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment

Abstract

BackgroundThere is an increasing trend in the consumption of egg on a worldwide scale, however, it can be a source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) which could threaten the health of consumers. Scope and approachThe related studies on the concentration of PTEs in eggs by databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase in a global scale were retrieved and following meta-analyzed. Additionally, the associated human health risk was estimated by calculating hazard quotient (THQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) by the aid of Monte Carlo simulated (MCS) model. Key findings and conclusionsAccording to systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 included articles with 59 studies, the total rank order of PTEs was Fe (44.11 mg/kg) > Zn (25.45 mg/kg) > Cu (2.100 mg/kg) > Pb (0.797 mg/kg) > Ni (0.781 mg/kg) > Se (0.633 mg/kg) > Cr (0.368 mg/kg) > As (0.148 mg/kg) > Cd (0.028 mg/kg) > Hg (0.0027 mg/kg). The overall rank order considering the type of bird based on the concentration of PTEs was Quail eggs > Duck eggs > Hen eggs. Additionally, among all of them, the concentration of PTEs in the yolk part of eggs was higher while compared with the white part. On the other hand, no significant difference regarding the concentration of PTEs among commercial eggs and local eggs was observed. Also, both adults and children consumers in some countries are at significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks due to ingestion of PTEs via egg consumption.