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Trace Elements in Home-Processed Food Obtained from Unconventional Animals.
Emilio Carpenè1, Giulia Andreani1, Enea Ferlizza2
1Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia (BO), Italy.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 28, 2020
Summary
Wild game and snail meat can provide essential trace elements like iron. However, some samples contain high levels of lead and cadmium, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Environmental Science
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Increasing global consumption of unconventional animal foods.
- Traditional recipes incorporate various ingredients affecting nutrient intake.
- Trace element analysis is crucial for assessing dietary safety and nutritional value.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify essential and non-essential trace elements in home-processed wild game and snails.
- Evaluate the nutritional contribution of these alternative food sources.
- Assess potential health risks associated with trace element contamination.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for trace element analysis.
- Food samples included snails, woodcock, pheasant, and hare, prepared with traditional seasonings.
- Eight essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Ni, Mo, Co) and six non-essential (Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, As, Cr) trace elements were measured.
Main Results:
- Iron (Fe) was the most abundant essential trace element, particularly in snails.
- Cobalt (Co) was the least abundant essential trace element across all samples.
- High concentrations of lead (Pb) were found in hare, and cadmium (Cd) in snails.
Conclusions:
- Wild game and snails can be significant sources of essential trace elements, especially iron.
- Elevated levels of lead and cadmium in certain samples present a potential health hazard.
- Consumers should be aware of the dual nutritional benefits and potential risks of these unconventional foods.
