Avaliação das concentrações de magnésio, zinco, cobre, ferro, alumínio, cromo, níquel, cobalto e molibdênio nas hortaliças tuberosas comercializadas e consumidas em Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

ABSTRACT - The aim of the present study was to measure the concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, aluminum, chromium, nickel, cobalt and molybdenum in common potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, yam and taro in order to evaluate their nutritional value. The roots regularly consumed by the inhabitants of in Mato Grosso do Sul state were mineralized using microwave acid digester with nitric acid, and analyzed with the aid of ICP-OES. The results were compared with their contents and permissible levels established by Brazilian and international research and controlling bodies. It was shown that in respect to trace elements content the roots under study fully meet the requirements in minerals to the dietary intake. The levels in trace elements found in this investigation fill the gap in the available literary data and may be recommended to be included into the corresponding data bases for further comparisons. Among the above vegetables taro has been shown to be the most abundant source in bioactive minerals, and therefore its future nutritional usage as dietary component should be in every way encouraged. The set of computed quantitative data provides solid support for the local nutritionist when choosing the appropriate food items in his professional practice. The monitoring of biometals in vegetables needs to be continued because these are the main sources of food for humans, and are considered as bioindicators of environmental pollution.