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Trace elements in different brands of yerba mate tea
Victor Luiz Cordoba Bragança1, Petr Melnikov, Lourdes Zélia Zanoni
1Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Biological Trace Element Research
|April 14, 2011
Summary
This study analyzed trace elements in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) infusions. Concentrations of essential minerals like copper, zinc, and iron were quantified, with levels generally within safe limits for consumption.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a popular South American beverage.
- It contains various biochemically active compounds, including minerals.
- Understanding the trace element content is important for consumer safety and nutritional value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of specific trace elements in commercially available yerba mate infusions.
- To compare the measured concentrations against established safety and regulatory limits.
- To investigate factors influencing metal content in yerba mate.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three commercial yerba mate trademarks prepared using standard methods.
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnace for trace element determination.
- Quantification of cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, aluminum, iron, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, and silver.
Main Results:
- Copper levels ranged from 0.03-0.06 mg/L, zinc from 0.41-1.0 mg/L, aluminum from 0.32-1.7 mg/L, iron from 0.12-0.23 mg/L, manganese from 2.3-7.0 mg/L, and silver from 0.01-0.03 mg/L.
- Chromium levels were below 0.005 mg/L, while molybdenum, cadmium, and lead were below 0.01 mg/L.
- Trace element concentrations were generally within acceptable limits according to Brazilian and international legislation.
Conclusions:
- The metal content in yerba mate infusions is influenced by various factors, including the plant source.
- Trace elements appear to be weakly bound to the plant substrate.
- The analyzed yerba mate infusions comply with existing legal limits for metal concentrations.
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