Investigation of twelve trace elements in herbal tea commercialized in Brazil

Author(s)

Milani, Raquel Fernanda ^{[1, 2]} ; Silvestre, Leticia Kis ^[2] ; Morgano, Marcelo Antonio ^[2] ; Cadore, Solange ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Chem, POB 6154, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Food Technol, Ave Brasil 2880, POB 139, BR-13070178 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY; v. 52, p. 111-117, 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

In this study twelve trace elements were investigated in herbal tea commercialized in Brazil. Boldo, Chamomile, Mate and Peppermint tea samples were acquired in Brazil local markets and both herbs and their infusions were evaluated. Trace elements were classified in two groups: poorly (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Se) and moderately (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) extractable. This patterned showed that even levels above threshold established by Brazilian and MERCOSUR regulations were observed in herbal tea (Cd and Pb in 89% and 78% of mate and peppermint tea samples, respectively), their infusions did not presented toxic levels. The estimative of exposure and dietary intake revealed important values for a daily consumption of a single cup of herbal infusion and an unique composition was also verified for herbal tea samples: although age and origin was unavailable, multivariate analysis classified the samples in four distinct groups. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/19142-7 - Assessment of inorganic contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in teas
• Grantee: Marcelo Antonio Morgano
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/57808-1 - National Institute of Advanced Analytical Science and Technology
• Grantee: Celio Pasquini
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants