Aluminium, nickel, cadmium and lead in candy products and assessment of daily intake by children in Spain

ABSTRACT

Aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in a total of 263 samples of 12 types of candies widely consumed in Spain, were evaluated. Samples were analysed using an ICP-MS method after acidic sample mineralization. Concentration ranges of Al, Ni, Cd and Pb were 21.28–62.91 µg g⁻¹, 0.40–1.27 µg g⁻¹, 0.12–1.01 µg g⁻¹ and 1.03–7.14 µg g⁻¹, respectifgvely. Statistically significant positive correlations were calculated between concentrations of Ni–Al and Pb–Cd (p-values < 0.05). Taking into consideration the relatively high metal content, together with the high caloric density of these products, as well as high content of particular nutrients such as sugars that can induce development of certain pathologies like obesity and caries, indicate that frequent consumption of candy products is not recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Heavy metals
• trace elements
• candies
• sweets
• dietary intake

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank OMIC (Elche) for his helps in financial support.