Lead, cadmium and arsenic levels and health risk evaluation of marketed chia seeds in Tucuman, Argentina
Abstract
Chia seeds are globally widespread as supplementary food due to their beneficial health effects. The aim of this work was to determine the content of arsenic, cadmium and lead in chia seeds marketed in Tucuman, Argentina, estimate the daily intake of these elements and assess health risks. Two digestion procedures were carried out. Digested samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization. The samples treated by means of an acid digestion at atmospheric pressure yielded 0.056 0.090 mg kg(-1) and 0.74-1.05 mg kg(-1) for Cd and Pb, respectively. As measurements were under LOD of the method. On the other hand, samples treated by microwave-assisted digestion yielded values between 0.28 and 0.51 mg kg(-1) for Pb, while As and Cd determinations were below LOD or LOQ. Precision produced values between 3-7%, while recovery studies were between 90 and 112 %. Concentrations of the analyzed elements were below the permissible limits by food supplement regulations. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values for Pb, As and Cd revealed a little exposure to those toxic elements through chia seed consumption. Besides, THQ values were <1 suggesting that they do not pose potential health risks.
