Estimation of minerals,nitrate and nitrite contents of medicinal and aromatic plants used as spices,condiments and herbal tea

In this study, the minor and major mineral contents of 31 kinds of medicinal and aromatic plant collected from the south region of Turkey in 2004 year were established by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The samples were composed of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn. The highest mineral concentration were measured between 57.70–2962.74 mg/kg Al, 1160.04–16452.88 mg/kg Ca, 44.83–1799.5 mg/kg Fe, 3570.73–27669.72 mg/kg K, 477.17–4313.59 mg/kg Mg, 1102.62–20912.33 mg/kg Na, 443.60–9367.80 mg/kg P and 7.18–48.36 mg/kg Zn. The highest values of Ca, K and P were established in Foeniculum vulgare (bitter fennel) (16452.88 mg/kg), Ocimum minumum (basil) (27669.72 mg/kg) and F. vulgare (bitter fennel) (9367.80 mg/kg), respectively. The heavy metal contents were determined too low in all samples.     

Variations of vitamin and mineral contents in raw goat milk of the indigenous Greek breed during lactation

Raw goat milk samples from the indigenous Greek breed in the area of Ioannina, northwestern Greece, were collected during one lactation and analyzed for vitamins A, E, B₁, B₂, and C and for minerals Ca, Mg, P, Na, K, Cu, Fe and Zn. Also, the major constituents of goat milk, namely fat, protein, lactose and solids-non-fat, were determined. The average composition (%) of milk was: fat 4.10, protein 3.36, lactose 4.48 and solids-non-fat 8.54. The mean concentration of the fat-soluble vitamins retinol (A) and α-tocopherol (E) were 0.013 and 0.121 mg/100 ml, respectively. The mean concentration of the water-soluble vitamins, thiamin (B₁), riboflavin (B₂) and ascorbic acid (C) were 0.260, 0.112 and 5.48 mg/100 ml, respectively. Seasonal variations were observed for all vitamins studied. Thiamin had significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations during summer than in winter and early spring. The observed variations of the studied vitamins might be attributed to the differences in the feeding of goats during lactation. The mean mineral contents (mg/100 g) of goat milk were Ca 132, P 97.7, Na 59.4, K 152, Mg 15.87, Cu 0.08, Fe 0.06, Zn 0.37 and Mn 6.53 μg/100 g. Seasonal variations were observed for the major minerals Ca, P, K, and the trace elements Cu and Zn.     

Mineral content of tropical fruits and unconventional foods of the Andes and the rain forest of Colombia

A total of 68 species of starchy foods, tropical fruits, leaves and tubers (101 samples), were collected on the foothills of the Colombian Andes and in the rain forests of the Colombian Pacific coast. Their edible portion was analyzed for mineral content (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, S, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Co, Ni). The foods were generally high in K (36–1.782 mg K/100 g edible portion) and low in sodium (<45 mg Na/100 g edible portion). The tree foliages had the highest contents in most of the elements, especially in calcium (280–1242 mg Ca/100 g edible portion, i.e., up to 62 g Ca/kg dry matter) and iron (0.7–8.4 mg Fe/100 g edible portion). Correlations (P < 0.001) were observed between total ash and many elements, especially Ca and Mg (r =  0.77 and 0.73, respectively). High correlations were also obtained between Ca and Mg (r = 0.93).     

Determination of mineral contents of semimembranosus muscle and liver from pure and crossbred pigs in Vojvodina (northern Serbia)

The content of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) was investigated in the M. semimembranosus and liver of 69 pigs from 10 different genetic lines, produced in Vojvodina (northern Serbia). Phosphorous was determined by the standard spectrophotometric method. Metals were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralisation by dry ashing. The difference in the mineral content among the different genetic lines of pigs, reared under the same conditions, was not significant (P > 0.05) in the analysed muscle and liver tissues. The order of the minerals in the meat samples and their content ranges in mg/100 g was K (214–328, on average 280) > P (200–263, on average 225) > Na (39.0–82.7, on average 59.8) > Mg (24.4–29.4, on average 26.6) > Ca (9.8–15.5, on average 11.8) > Zn (2.30–3.29, on average 2.70) > Fe (1.00–2.79, on average 1.42) > Cu (0.18–0.49, on average 0.32) > Mn (0.018–0.038, on average 0.025). Likewise, the order of the minerals in the liver samples and their content ranges in mg/100 g was P (336–448, on average 383) > K (156–306, on average 217) > Na (56.1–126.3, on average 82.2) > Mg (20.8–36.6, on average 25.7) > Ca (15.9–31.1, on average 20.4) > Fe (16.65–30.93, on average 21.78) > Zn (6.32–15.99, on average 9.82) > Cu (0.72–3.06, on average 1.61) > Mn (0.23–0.51, on average 0.35). A higher content of K and Mg was found in the muscle than in the liver tissue, with a highly significant difference for K (P < 0.001). The contents of P, Na, Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the liver tissue than those in the muscle tissue. The Vojvodian pork meat showed higher Cu and Mn contents, while the Vojvodian pork liver showed a higher Ca content compared with the values found in other countries.     

Hay to reduce dietary cation-anion difference for dry dairy cows

Timothy grass has a lower dietary cation-anion difference [DCAD = (Na + K) - (Cl + S)] than other cool-season grass species. Growing timothy on low-K soils and fertilizing it with CaCl₂ could further decrease its DCAD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding low-DCAD timothy hay on dry dairy cows. Six nonpregnant and nonlactating cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. Treatments were as follows: 1) control diet (control; DCAD = 296 mEq/kg of dry matter); 2) low-DCAD diet based on low-DCAD timothy hay (L-HAY; DCAD = - 24 mEq/kg of dry matter); and 3) low-DCAD diet using HCl (L-HCl; DCAD = - 19 mEq/kg of dry matter). Decreasing DCAD with L-HAY had no effect on dry matter intake (11.8 kg/d) or dry matter digestibility (71.5%). Urine pH decreased from 8.21 to 5.89 when L-HAY was fed instead of the control. Blood parameters that decreased with L-HAY were base excess (− 0.4 vs. 3.8 mM) and HCO₃⁻ (23 vs. 27 mM), and blood parameters that increased were Ca²⁺ (5.3 vs. 5.1 mg/dL), Cl⁻ (30.5 vs. 29.5 mg/dL), and Na⁺ (60.8 vs. 60.1 mg/dL). Compared with the control, L-HAY resulted in more Ca in urine (13.4 vs. 1.2 g/d). Comparing L-HAY with L-HCl, cow dry matter intake tended to be higher (11.5 vs. 9.8 kg/d), and blood pH was higher (7.37 vs. 7.31). Urine pH; total dry matter; Ca, K, P, and Mg apparent absorption; and Ca, K, Na, Cl, S, P, and Mg apparent retention were similar. Absorption as a percentage of intake of Na and Cl was lower for L-HAY as compared with L-HCl. In an EDTA-challenge test, cows fed L-HAY regained their initial level of blood Ca²⁺ twice as quickly as the control treatment (339 vs. 708 min); there were no differences between L-HAY and L-HCl. This experiment confirms that feeding low-DCAD hay is an effective means of decreasing the DCAD of rations and obtaining a metabolic response in dry dairy cows.     

Levels of Se,Zn, Mg and Ca in commercial goat and cow milk fermented products: Relationship with their chemical composition and probiotic starter culture

We determined Se, Zn, Mg and Ca levels in 42 samples of goat and cow fermented milks which are widely consumed in Spain were determined. Atomic absorption spectrometry (hydride generation for Se and flame atomisation for remaining elements) was used as an analytical technique. Reliability of the procedure was checked. Only Mg levels in goat fermented milks were significantly higher to those found in cow fermented milks (p < 0.022). Important similarities in concentrations and behaviours for Mg and Ca have been observed. Mg contents were significantly correlated with Zn (r = 0.590; p < 0.001) and Ca (r = 0.344; p < 0.028) concentrations, Zn, Mg and Ca levels with protein content (r = 0.554, r = 0.479, r = 0.388, respectively), Mg levels with fats (r = 0.403; p = 0.011) and Se levels with carbohydrates (r = −0.379; p = 0.031). Mineral and macronutrient levels in yogurts with traditional probiotic starter cultures were not significantly different to those found in fermented milks with additional probiotic microorganisms (p > 0.05). It was concluded that goat fermented milks are a better source for Mg than cow samples.     

Chemical composition of white (Morus alba), red (Morus rubra) and black (Morus nigra) mulberry fruits

In this study, the chemical composition of white (Morus alba L.), red (Morus rubra L.) and black (Morus nigra L.) mulberry fruits grown in the East Anatolia Region of Turkey was investigated. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in black mulberry (1422 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh matter and 276 mg quercetin equivalents/100 g fresh matter). M. alba had the highest total fat content (1.10%), followed by M. nigra (0.95%) and M. rubra (0.85%), respectively. The major fatty acids in mulberry fruits were linoleic acid (54.2%), palmitic acid (19.8%) and oleic acid (8.41%), respectively. The total soluble solids content of mulberry species varied between 15.9% (M. rubra L.) and 20.4% (M. alba L.), acidity between 0.25% (M. alba L.) and 1.40% (M. nigra L.), pH between 3.52 (M. nigra L.) and 5.60 (M. alba L.), ascorbic acid 19.4 mg/100 g (M. rubra L.) and 22.4 mg/100 g (M. alba L.), respectively. Mineral compositions of the mulberry species were 0.83% N, 235 mg/100 g P, 1141 mg/100 g K, 139 mg/100 g Ca, 109 mg/100 g Mg, 60 mg/100 g Na, 4.3 mg/100 g Fe, 0.4 mg/100 g Cu, 4.0 mg/100 g Mn and 3.1 mg/100 g Zn, respectively.     

Elemental analysis of flour-based ready-oven foods by slurry sampling inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A slurry sampling technique has been utilised for the determination of Na, K, Ca, Mg, S, P, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in wheat-flour and flour-based ready-oven foods using ICP-OES and a direct aqueous calibration technique. For 0.1% w/v suspension of flour in 0.1% w/v Triton X-100 and 6% v/v HNO₃, the procedural limits of detection (all in mg kg⁻¹) for Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, S, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were 7.51, 61.1, 0.645, 1.59, 5.25, 4.58, 1.50, 1.07, 0.867 and 1.58, respectively. The precision was expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5–10% (n = 10) for 0.1% w/v suspension of wheat-flour. The accuracy was confirmed by the analysis of reference materials wheat-flour GBW 08503 and rice flour NIST 1568a.     

Solid phase extraction with flame atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of traces of Ca,K, Mg and Na in quality control of white sugar

A fast and straightforward pre-concentration procedure based on solid phase extraction with a strongly acidic cation-exchanger Dowex 50 W × 8–400 was proposed to determine traces of Ca, K, Mg and Na in white sugar samples by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. For this purpose, 20% (m/v) white sugar solutions (100 ml) were driven through resin beds at 10 ml min⁻¹ to retain Ca, K, Mg and Na ions and to separate sucrose that passed through unretained. Thereafter, columns were rinsed with water and elements of interest were recovered prior to measurements using 5 ml of a 2 mol l⁻¹ HCl solution. Detection limits of 0.04, 0.05, 0.02 and 0.01 μg g⁻¹ for Ca, K, Mg and Na, respectively, and precision of measurements within 1–3% were achieved. The proposed method enabled to determine Ca, K, Mg and Na in samples of white sugar within corresponding ranges: 0.66–0.99 μg g⁻¹ (Ca), 2.9–12.2 μg g⁻¹ (K), 0.53–1.57 μg g⁻¹ (Mg) and 0.06–0.30 μg g⁻¹ (Na). Accuracy of this sample pre-treatment procedure and analysis method was assessed by performing spikes and recovery experiments. Recoveries of added Ca, K, Mg and Na were found to be within 97–102%, demonstrating good reliability of results.     

Mineral composition of edible seaweed Porphyra vietnamensis

Edible seaweed Porphyra vietnamensis growing along seven different localities of the Central West Coast of India was analyzed for mineral composition (Na, K, Ca, Mg, B, Pb, Cr, Co, Fe, Zn, Mn, Hg, Cu, As, Ni, Cd and Mo) by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The concentration ranges found for each sample, were as follows: Na, 24.5–65.6; K, 1.76–3.19, Ca, 1.40–6.12; Mg, 4.0–5.90 (mg/g d wt); Pb, 0.01–0.15; Cr, 0.13–0.22; Co, 0.06–0.20; Fe, 33.0–298; Zn, 0.93–3.27; Mn, 4.22–10.00; Hg, 0.01–0.04; Cu, 0.54–1.05; As, 1.24–1.83; Ni, 0.02–0.25; Cd, 0.14–0.55; Mo, 0.02–0.03 and B, 0.02–0.07 expressed in mg/100 g dry weight. Mineral composition of P. vietnamensis was found relatively higher as compared to the land vegetables as well as to other edible seaweeds, and it is in concurrence with the recent macrobiotic recommendation for western countries. It could therefore be used as food supplement as a spice to improve the nutritive value in the omnivorous diet.     

Chemical composition of fruits in some rose (Rosa spp.) species

Fruits of Rosa canina, Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri, Rosa dumalis subsp. antalyensis, Rosa villosa, Rosa pulverulenta and Rosa pisiformis were assayed for total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, total dry weight, total fat, fatty acids, pH, acidity, moisture, fruit colour and macro- and micro-elements. The highest total phenolic content was observed in Rosa canina (96 mg GAE/g DW). Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri had the highest total fat content (1.85%), followed by Rosa pulverulenta (1.81%) and Rosa canina (1.78%), respectively. Nine major fatty acids were determined in rose species and α-linolenic acid was found to be dominant for all species. Total soluble solids, total dry weight, moisture and ascorbic acid contents of rose species varied from 29.42% (Rosa villosa)–37.33% (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri), 33.85% (Rosa villosa)–40.35% (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri), 59.65% (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri)–66.15% (Rosa villosa) and 727 mg/100 g FW (Rosa villosa) and 943 mg/100 g FW (Rosa dumalis subsp. boissieri), respectively. Nitrogen and mineral compositions of the rose species, e.g., N, P, K, Ca and Mg, were (averagely): 1.26%, 513 mg/100 g DW, 639 mg/100 g DW, 196 mg/100 g DW and 114 mg/100 g DW, respectively. The present study shows that the native rose genotypes are extremely rich sources of phenolics, carbohydrates and ascorbic acid, demonstrating their potential use as a food or food additive.     

Influence of cooking and dehulling on nutritional composition of several varieties of lentils (Lens culinaris)

The effect of cooking and dehulling on nutrients and anti-nutritional factors of several varieties of lentils (Lens culinaris) was investigated. Significant (p < 0.05) variations existed among the lentil varieties with respect to their crude protein, starch, ash, soluble dietary fiber (SDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), total dietary fiber (TDF), resistant starch (RS), trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), minerals, phytic acid, tannins, sucrose and oligosaccharides (raffinose, stachyose and verbascose) content. Cooking lentils in boiling water significantly increased protein, starch, IDF, TDF, resistant starch, Ca, Cu and Mn content, whereas reduced ash, Fe, K, Mg, P, Zn, TIA, phytic acid, tannins, sucrose and oligosaccharides were observed. Dehulling (removal of seed coat) resulted in a significant increase in protein, starch, resistant starch, K, P, phytic acid, stachyose and verbascose content, however, a significant decrease in SDF, IDF, TDF, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and tannin content was observed.     

Impact of boron, calcium and genetic factors on vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of carrots (Daucus carota)

Carrots (Daucus carota L.) were used to investigate the effects and interactions of cultivar and mineral supply on the nutritional quality (antioxidant potential, vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic acids) of the resulting storage roots. The supplement of boron (B) and or calcium (Ca) in the feeding solutions, during plant growth, influenced the accumulation of other minerals, such as P, K, Mg, S and Na, in the storage roots (p < 0.05). When no additional B or Ca was supplied (e.g. −B or −Ca treatment), we observed 33-50% increase in the accumulated levels of α- and β-carotenes, and 45-70% increase of vitamin C. Carrots grown with no supplement of B in the nutrient solutions (e.g. −B treatment and −ve control) had significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of total phenolic acids compared to the carrots with the supplement of B (e.g. −Ca treatment and +ve control). A strong positive correlation was observed between the total phenolic contents and ORAC values (r = 0.932) in all the cultivars. The results suggest that both cultivar and mineral supply were major determinants of nutritional quality of the carrots. The nutritional value of carrot crops (with an acceptable physical quality) can be enhanced by manipulating mineral nutrient applications.     

Levels of nutritionally-important trace elements and macronutrients in edible leaves and grain of 27 nodulated cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) genotypes grown in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Analysis of edible leaves and grain of 27 nodulated cowpea genotypes in 2005 and 2006 revealed differences in mineral density. Cowpea genotype IT82D-889 exhibited high concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg and S in grain relative to Brown Eye, IT84S-2246 and TVx3236. Fe concentration in cowpea grain ranged from 63 mg/kg in Ngonji to 137 mg/kg in Soronko, while Zn was 44 mg/kg in Ngonji and 65 mg/kg in Vuli-1. Leaf concentrations of Cu, Mn, B and Fe were consistently higher in the genotypes Apagbaala, IT84S-2246, Fahari and IT97K-499-39, while Fe, Cu, B and Zn were lower in TVu11424, Brown Eye, Vuli-1, Soronko and Glenda. Compared with spinach, cowpea leaves had greater levels of Fe (5-fold in magnitude), Mn, P, Ca, K and Mg. Based on these data it is likely that when and where the dietary intake of cowpea leaves is high in Africa, children would suffer less from micronutrient deficiency.     

Elemental analysis of nuts and seeds by axially viewed ICP OES

A method for the multi-elemental determination of metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Sr and Zn), metalloids (B and Si), and non-metals (Cl, P and S) in the babassu nut and mesocarp, sapucaia nut, coconut pulp, cupuassu pulp and seed, and cashew nut by axially viewed inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry is presented. A diluted oxidant mixture (2 ml HNO₃ + 1 ml H₂O₂ + 3 ml H₂O) was used to achieve the complete decomposition of the organic matrix in a closed-vessel microwave oven. The accuracy of the entire proposed method was confirmed by standard reference material analysis (peach leaves-NIST SRM1547). The certified values showed a good agreement at a 95% confidence limit (Student’s t-test). The average RSD for repeatability of calibration solutions measurements were in the range of 1.1–6.7%. Limits of quantification (LOQ = 10 × LOD) were in the level of 0.00072–0.0532 mg/l. The macro and micronutrient ranges in the different nuts and seeds did not exceed the dietary reference intake (DRI), except for Mn in the babassu nut.     

Timothy silage with low dietary cation-anion difference fed to nonlactating cows

Decreasing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) by using anion sources before calving reduces hypocalcemia in cows at calving. Reduced DCAD from CaCl₂-fertilized timothy hay achieves similar results, but the effects of feeding low-DCAD forage as silage have not been determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-DCAD timothy silage on dry cows. Six nonlactating and nonpregnant Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. Treatments were 1) control diet (DCAD = 232 mEq/kg of dry matter, DM); 2) low-DCAD diet using a low-DCAD timothy silage (LDTS; DCAD = −21 mEq/kg of DM); and 3) low-DCAD diet using a fermentation by-product (LDBP; DCAD = −32 mEq/kg of DM). Differences between dietary treatments were considered statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were noted when 0.05 < P < 0.10. Compared with the control, feeding LDTS tended to decrease DM intake (10.6 vs. 12.5 kg/d) and decreased urinary pH (6.15 vs. 8.18) as well as apparent digestibility of DM (67 vs. 69%). Blood pH (7.37 vs. 7.42), HCO₃⁻ (25.3 vs. 27.5 mM), and base excess (0.4 vs. 3.1 mM) were decreased, and blood Cl⁻ (29.6 vs. 29.1 mg/dL) was increased. Apparently absorbed Na and Cl were higher and apparently absorbed K, P, and digested ADF were lower for LDTS compared with the control. Both LDTS and LDBP resulted in similar DM intake. Urinary pH tended to be higher (6.15 vs. 5.98) and percentage of digested DM was lower (67 vs. 70%) with LDTS compared with LDBP. Blood ionized Ca (5.3 vs. 5.4 mg/dL) tended to be lower and blood Cl⁻ (29.6 vs. 30.1 mg/dL) was lower, whereas blood pH (7.37 vs. 7.33), HCO₃⁻ (25.3 vs. 21.5 mM), and base excess (0.4 vs. −3.8 mM) were higher with LDTS compared with LDBP. Apparent absorption of Na, Cl, S, and P, as well as apparent digestion of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and N were lower, and K, Cl, S, P, Mg, and N were less retained with LDTS compared with LDBP. Results confirm that low-DCAD timothy silage can be used to produce a compensated metabolic acidosis by decreasing the DCAD of rations served to nonlactating dairy cows.     

Multivariate characterization of table olives according to their mineral nutrient composition

Different commercial presentations of table olives were characterized by their mineral compositions. Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P were determined. The processing of table olives affects the mineral content of commercial presentations and significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among green (Spanish style), directly brined, and ripe olives. A predictive discriminate analysis showed that the most discriminating elements were Fe, K, Na, Mn, Cu, and P (among styles) and with Ca (among cultivars). A good classification and cross-validation was observed in the case of elaboration styles but discrimination among cultivars was less conclusive. A further analysis of the confusion matrix, according to cultivars, showed that the lower classification efficiency, in this case, was mainly due to misclassification of samples from Manzanilla and Gordal cultivars. The analysis of the confusion matrix can be useful when the assessment of its results is not obvious.     

Analytical capability of a medium power capacitively coupled plasma for the multielemental determination in multimineral/multivitamin preparations by atomic emission spectrometry

A method for multielemental (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P and Zn) determination in multimineral/multivitamins by atomic emission spectrometry in a medium power radiofrequency capacitively coupled plasma (275 W) and low Ar consumption (0.4 L min⁻¹) is proposed. Determinations were performed on commercially available tablets and a standard reference material after acidic high-pressure microwave assisted digestion and using the standard additions procedure. The detection limits (mg g⁻¹) were in the range 0.003 (Na)–1.5 (P) and were not depreciated by the non-spectral interference of mineral matrices of K, Ca, Mg and Na excepting Zn and P. Found concentrations corresponded generally to the labelled contents with recovery in the range of 90–107% and 1.0–13.0% repeatability. The proposed technique could be an advantageous alternative to the more expensive inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the quality control of multimineral/multivitamin preparations.     

Elemental composition of cephalopods from Portuguese continental waters

Essential and contaminant elements concentrations were determined in the muscle tissue of octopus (Octopus vulgaris), squid (Loligo vulgaris) and cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), caught off the Portuguese coast in 2004–2005. As expected, the largest concentrations found correspond to Cl, S, K, Na, P and Mg (average values between 629 mg (100 g)⁻¹, for Cl, and 435 mg kg⁻¹, for Mg, in octopus and squid, respectively). Above average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe and Sr were also found. The highest total Hg concentration was found in cuttlefish (0.36 mg kg⁻¹); however, this value did not exceed the recommended limit proposed by EU (0.5 mg kg⁻¹). Lead levels observed in all samples were always significantly lower than the EU limit (1.0 mg kg⁻¹). Regarding Cd, the 1.0 mg kg⁻¹ limit was only exceeded in two octopus samples. It may be concluded that the cephalopods studied do not constitute cause for concern, in terms of toxic elements, and could be safely used for daily intake of essential elements. Nevertheless, the squid contribution for elemental DI is minor in comparison to the other two species.     

Seasonal and lactational changes in mineral composition of milk from Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)

Milk minerals are important for calf growth, and they have other roles as well, such as immune regulation. This 2-yr study examined content of Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, and Zn in milk of 54 Iberian red deer hinds through 18 wk of lactation. Mean mineral composition of fresh milk was ash = 1.168 ± 0.007%, Ca = 2,330 ± 20 mg/kg, P = 640 ± 10 mg/kg, K = 1,100 ± 10 mg/kg, Na = 385 ± 3 mg/kg, Mg = 138 ± 1 mg/kg, Zn = 12.5 ± 0.2 mg/kg, and Fe = 0.65 ± 0.03 mg/kg. All minerals except Mg varied by week of lactation, but variation was usually <10% except for Fe (83% variation) and Zn (30% variation); both of those minerals increased as lactation proceeded. Increased concentrations of Fe and Zn in later lactation compensated for the reduction in milk production in mid and late lactation such that daily production was less variable for Fe (55% variation) or Zn (79% variation) than for other minerals (118 to 135% variation). Potassium content of milk decreased across time, but that effect occurred primarily during the last few weeks of lactation. Calving later vs. early in the calving season had variable effects on concentrations of different minerals: P, Mg, and K concentrations were not affected; Ca, Mg, and Na were all lower in milk from later calving hinds; and both Fe and Zn had higher concentrations in milk from hinds that calved later in the season. Lactating hinds seem to maintain a more stable daily yield of the microminerals Fe and Zn in milk compared with more variable concentrations of macrominerals as lactation progresses. Because of the essential role of Fe and Zn in immune function, a more stable supply of those minerals might be important to the health of growing red deer calves.