Elemental Profiling of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars: Nutritional Contribution and Dietary Risk Assessment

This study analyzed the elemental composition of 20 cultivated fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars, evaluated their contribution to the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), and assessed potential dietary risks associated with trace elements. Thirteen elements (K, Mg, Ca, P, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, B, As, Pb, Cd) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the Health Risk Index (HRI) was calculated for trace elements. The results indicated that K was the most abundant mineral, ranging from 197 to 355 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by P (18-35 mg/100 g FW) and Mg (14-29 mg/100 g FW). A 100 g FW serving provided 9.9-17.8% of the adult RNI for K, 4.2-8.8% for Mg, and 2.5-9.9% for Cu. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct differences in mineral composition among the cultivars, classifying them into four groups. Varieties in Cluster 1 were rich in Mg, Ca, and Zn, whereas those in Cluster 2 exhibited higher Cu content. These findings highlight substantial cultivar-dependent differences in elemental composition and suggest that figs can contribute useful amounts of several essential minerals. In this adult dietary exposure assessment, detected trace element concentrations suggested negligible human health risks based on established experimental conditions. However, the present evaluation did not account for variable mineral bioavailability and individual differences in human intestinal absorption efficiency.