Celiac disease is a food intolerance triggered by the ingestion of gluten-containing cereals; the only therapy is a strict gluten-free diet for life. In recent years, gluten-free cereal bars has achieved considerable attention as an interesting alternative food considering its several advantages, such as functional properties, nutritional contents, variety of presentations and flavors. The aim of this study was to determine the contents of three toxic trace elements (arsenic, cadmium and lead) in commercial gluten-free cereal bars marketed in Argentina by ICP-MS and assess the dietary intake of the three toxic elements compared with reference values. The results obtained indicated that the highest total concentration of arsenic is provided by the gluten-free cereal bars with green apple pomace (28.2 µg/kg) and the levels of cadmium were lower than 10 µg/kg or even below MDL in all samples. The lead contents in all bars with honey samples were exceptionally higher than in the other samples (levels greater than 130 µg/kg). The intake of available gluten-free cereal bars are generally safe for consumers, but particular attention should be paid to monitor the content of arsenic and lead gluten-free cereal bars to ensure the quality of the product. Further studies are necessary to achieve an exact risk evaluation, concerning the bioavailability of trace elements in gluten-free food sources.
- MeSH
- analýza potravin * metody normy pracovní síly statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- arsen analýza izolace a purifikace toxicita MeSH
- bezlepková dieta * MeSH
- celiakie * diagnóza dietoterapie imunologie komplikace prevence a kontrola MeSH
- hmotnostní spektrometrie metody normy přístrojové vybavení statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- hodnocení rizik * MeSH
- hodnotící studie jako téma * MeSH
- kadmium analýza izolace a purifikace toxicita MeSH
- kvalita jídla MeSH
- lidé * MeSH
- olovo analýza izolace a purifikace toxicita MeSH
- potraviny pro zvláštní výživu * analýza statistika a číselné údaje toxicita MeSH
- stopové prvky analýza MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Argentina MeSH
Background. Celiac disease has a high prevalence globally and to date the only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Diet compliance is difficult due to current unhealthy eating habits and increasing overweight/obesity, especially for school age children. Objectives. To assess availability, cost and nutritional adequacy of gluten-free school snacks. Methods. Five store categories (large, regular-size and wholesale supermarkets, health food stores and corner shops) were assessed in districts representing low, middle and high socioeconomic levels. Three categories of school snacks were surveyed: dairy products (milk boxes, yogurts), cereals (in bulk, cereal bars) and baked goods (various cookies). Portions and prices were standardized and the closest gluten-containing products were matched for comparison. Availability, cost and nutritional quality (total calories, total fat, carbohydrates and sodium) were then evaluated. Results. A total of 1562 products were assessed. Gluten-free products were less available, with significant differences among the socioeconomic levels for cereals and baked goods (P<0.05). Also, they were more expensive than gluten-containing products. Except for cereal calories and sodium in the upper socioeconomic level, less than one third of the products available met FAO/WHO recommendations. Products meeting all 4 characteristics (total calories, total fat, carbohydrates and sodium) analyzed were 7.8%, 7.3% and 7.3% in the upper, middle and low socioeconomic level, respectively. Conclusions. Gluten-free dairy products, cereals and baked snacks available as snacks for school-age celiac children are fewer, with less variety and more expensive than gluten containing counterparts; the majority of them not meeting current nutritional recommendations.
