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Essential and toxic elements intake from botanical extracts: a probabilistic risk-benefit evaluation within the
Giovanni Tommaso Lanza1, Maria Olga Varrà1, Lenka Husáková2
1Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
|February 3, 2026
Summary
Botanical extracts may pose health risks due to inorganic elements like arsenic and lead. Consumers should use these supplements cautiously, as potential risks may exceed their claimed benefits.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Botanical extracts are popular for health benefits, but their long-term safety and inorganic content are not well understood.
- Assessing the risks and nutritional contributions of minerals in botanical extracts is vital for consumer safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify exposure levels and potential health risks from chronic intake of essential and toxic elements in botanical extracts.
- To evaluate the nutritional contribution of minerals from botanical extracts for Italian adults.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative assessment of ten essential (Ca, K, P, Fe, Mg, Zn) and toxic (Al, As, Ni, Pb) elements in 25 botanical extracts.
- Probabilistic approach used to estimate exposure, risk (Margin of Exposure - MOE), and benefit metrics.
Main Results:
- Botanicals provided minimal mineral contribution (0.01-16.80% of DRVs).
- Inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure posed health concerns (MOE for skin cancer: 0.05-80.50).
- Combined intake with diet showed risks from lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), iAs, iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights potential health risks associated with botanical extract consumption.
- Cautious dietary use is recommended as risks may outweigh perceived benefits.
- Further research into inorganic content and long-term effects is crucial.
Keywords:
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