Copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium content of alcoholic beverages and by-products from Spain: nutritional supply.

Levels of copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium were measured in alcoholic beverages (whiskies, gins, rums, liquors, brandies, wines and beers) and by-products (non-alcoholic liquors and vinegars) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Mineral concentrations were found to be significantly different between the nine alcoholic and non-alcoholic by-products studied (p < 0.001). In distilled alcoholic beverages, concentrations measured in rums and brandies were statistically lower than those determined in gins and alcoholic liquors (p = 0.001). For Cu, measured concentrations were statistically different for each of the five groups of distilled alcoholic beverages studied (p < 0.001). In fermented beverages, Zn, Ca and Mg levels were significantly higher than those concentrations determined in distilled drinks (p < 0.005). Contrarily, Cu concentrations were statistically lower (p < 0.001). Wines designated as sherry had significantly higher Ca and Mg levels (p < 0.005). White wines had significantly higher Ca and Zn levels (p < 0.05) compared with red wines and, contrarily, Cu concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.005). In wine samples and corresponding by-products (brandy and vinegar), statistical differences were established for all minerals analysed (p < 0.01). Remarkably, for Cu, the concentrations determined in brandies were statistically higher. On the basis of element levels and the official data on consumption of alcoholic beverages and by-products in Spain, their contribution to the daily dietary intake (DDI) was calculated to be 124.6 microg Cu day(-1) and 193.3 microg Zn day(-1), 40.3 mg Ca day(-1) and 19.9 mg Mg day(-1). From all studied elements, Cu was the one for which alcoholic beverages constitute a significant source (more than 10% of recommended daily intake). These findings are of potential use to food composition tables.

Contenido de magnesio y calcio en aguas del área costera Mediterránea del sureste de España y su relación con la actividad industrial / Magnesium and calcium content in waters from the Mediterranean coastal area of south-eastern Spain and their relation with industrial activity

Se han determinado los niveles de calcio y magnesio en aguas (potables, de riego, residuales y marinas) de la zona industrial y costera del sureste de España. Las muestras de agua acidifi cadas fueron analizadas por espectrometría de absorción atómica. Previamente las muestras fueron tratadas con 0,2 ml de LaCl3 (10 mg/mL La) como modifi cador de matriz. Las concentraciones de magnesio oscilaron entre 18,2 μg/L y 2286,7 μg/L y las de calcio desde 48,8 μg/L a 627,1 μg/L. Los niveles medios de magnesio y calcio en aguas marinas fueron signifi cativamente superiores (P < 0,001). Las concentraciones de magnesio encontradas en los diferentes grupos de aguas estuvieron linear y signifi - cativamente correlacionadas con los niveles de calcio correspondientes (r= 0,942; P < 0,001). La actividad humana e industrial no infl uyó en los niveles de magnesio y calcio en las aguas de riego y marinas de la zona. Sin embargo, los efl uentes de la fábrica de papel existente en la zona y los de origen doméstico aumentaron signifi cativamente las concentraciones de calcio en las aguas residuales

Magnesium and calcium levels in waters (potable, irrigation, waste and sea waters) from a coastal and industrial zone in south-eastern Spain, have been determined. Acidifi ed water samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were previously treated with a matrix modifi er consisting in 0.2 mL of LaCl3 (10 mg/mL La). Magnesium concentrations ranged from 18.2 μg/L to 2286.7 μg/L and those for calcium from 48.8 μg/L to 627.1 μg/L. Mean magnesium and calcium levels in sea water samples were signifi cantly higher (P < 0.001). Magnesium concentrations found in different water groups were signifi cantly and linearly related with corresponding calcium levels (r= 0.942; P < 0.001). Human and industrial activity did not infl uence magnesium and calcium levels in irrigation and sea waters of the zone. Nevertheless, effl uents from the paper factory existing in the zone and from domestic origin increased signifi cantly the calcium concentrations in waste waters