Concentrations of Selected Metals (NA, K, CA, MG, FE, CU, ZN, AL, NI, PB, CD) in Coffee.

INTRODUCTION

The health benefits and detrimental effects of coffee consumption may be linked to chemical compounds contained in coffee beans. The aim of our study was to evaluate the concentration of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in green and roasted samples of coffee beans purchased in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to determine the potential health implications at current consumption level.

METHODS

The concentrations were determined using a microwave high-pressure mineralization and atomic absorption spectrometer that measures total metal (ionic and non-ionic) content.

RESULTS

The average metal concentrations (μg element/g coffee) in the green coffee beans were; Na: 18.6, K: 19898, Ca: 789, Mg: 1758, Fe: 60, Cu: 14, Zn: 3.6, Al: 4.2, Ni: 0.415, Pb: 0.076, and Cd: 0.015, while, in the roasted; Na: 23, K: 23817, Ca: 869, Mg: 1992, Fe: 41.1, Cu: 11.4, Zn: 5.41, Al: 4.19, Ni: 0.88, Pb: 0.0169, and Cd: 0.0140.

CONCLUSION

The level of investigated metals at the present level of consumption of coffee in Bosnia falls within the limits recommended as safe for health.