Placental levels of metals and associated factors in urban and sub-urban areas of Seville (Spain).

Environmental exposure to metals among women, revealed their adverse effects on pregnancy. The fetus is exposed to these toxic elements only via the placenta which are able to accumulate there or cross it, compromising the protective functions of this organ. Numerous studies have shown associations between the prenatal exposition to some metals and an impact on cognitive, motor and intellectual development of the child. Sixty two placental samples were taken at delivery to determine the mineral content (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) by ICP-OES. Among these metals, essential ones (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Zn) can have health beneficial effects at low levels however, in high concentration are potentially toxic. On the other hand, elements such as Al, Cd, Pb, are classified as toxic metals, no matter what its concentration is. The aim of this study is to find the potential relationships between these metals levels, newborn's parameters, pregnancy details and the epidemiologic information obtained using a questionnaire data from the participant pregnant women from Seville (Spain). The main maternal determinant of detectable placenta Cd levels was smoking during pregnancy. Other maternal factors that may affect placenta metal levels were gestational age (Al, B, Ba, and Pb) or dietary supplement (Fe). It has to be stressed that our results have to be interpreted with caution, because of the small study group and the low exposure levels, along with the lack of information on potential sources of exposure to these metals. The use of placenta samples obtained at delivery can be considered strength of this study since the concentration of some metals in placenta can indicate the extent of maternal exposure during gestation.

Metal Concentrations in Wild-Harvested Phaeophyta Seaweed from the Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands, Spain).

Seaweeds are being consumed more often worldwide and are a source of essential minerals, fiber, vitamins, amino acids, and various bioactive compounds that have many beneficial effects on human health. However, marine pollution and the high capacity of seaweed to absorb metals may mean this food can also be dangerous to human health. The concentrations of some trace elements (B, Ba, Fe, Ni, Li, and V) and toxic metals (Al, Cd, and Pb) were determined in various species of wild seaweeds in the Phaeophyta group of brown algae from the Atlantic Ocean. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry revealed high concentrations of Al (256 mg/kg dry weight), Pb (3.92 mg/kg dry weight), and Cd (0.20 mg/kg dry weight) in Padina pavonica. Pb contributed the most to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of toxic metals in these samples; 57.2 and 45.3% of the TDI for Pb was found in 5 g of dehydrated P. pavonica and Halopteris scoparia, respectively. This percent contribution is half of the recommended TDI for this metal, which is 34.24 µg/day; therefore, high consumption of these species is discouraged. The maximum TDIs established by various institutions for the other metals were not exceeded from the daily consumption of 5 g of the other dehydrated seaweeds evaluated in this study.

Metal Concentrations in Samples of Frozen Cephalopods (Cuttlefish, Octopus, Squid, and Shortfin Squid): An Evaluation of Dietary Intake.

Cephalopods are an important source of nutrients and some of the most widely consumed marine foods. However, because of contamination of the oceans and the bioaccumulative nature of toxic metals, these foods may pose a health risk. For this reason, the concentrations of some trace elements (chromium [Cr], lithium, strontium [Sr], copper [Cu], and nickel) and toxic metals (aluminum [Al], cadmium, and lead) were determined in 65 frozen samples of cuttlefish, octopus, common squid, and shortfin squid by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to evaluate dietary intake and toxic risk. Sr was the major trace element (3.03 mg/kg) in cuttlefish; however, Cu (1.57 mg/kg) was found in the highest concentration in common squid. Among the toxic metals, Al had the highest concentration (3.09 mg/kg) in common squid. Al can pose an important health risk to individuals with kidney problems and to children because these groups are most vulnerable to the toxic effects. Significant differences among the four cephalopod types were found in the concentrations of most of the metals examined. Taking into account the average consumption of cephalopods, the contribution of toxic metals does not pose a risk to the health of adults.

Metals in edible seaweed.

The concentration levels of 20 metals were analyzed by ICP-OES in edible seaweed (Chondrus, Eisenia, Gelidium, Himanthalia, Laminaria, Palmaria, Porphyra, Undaria), from two origins (Asia vs EU) according to their cultivation practices (conventional vs organic). Red seaweed showed higher concentrations of trace and toxic elements. Porphyra may be used as a potential bioindicator for metals. Significant differences were found between the Asian vs European mean contents. The mean Cd level from the conventional cultivation (0.28 mg/kg) was two points higher than the organic cultivation (0.13 mg/kg). A daily consumption of seaweed (4 g/day) contributes to the dietary intake of metals, mainly Mg and Cr. The average intakes of Al, Cd and Pb were 0.064, 0.001 and 0.0003 mg/day, respectively. Based on obtained results, this study suggests that exposure to the toxic metals analyzed (Al, Cd and Pb) through seaweed consumption does not raise serious health concerns, but other toxic metals should be monitored.

Evaluation of content and estimation of daily intake of cadmium and lead in several varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivated in the Canary Islands (Spain).

Monitoring the metal content in foods such as potatoes is an important aspect of food safety and regulation. Samples of nine varieties of potatoes (73 samples of local potatoes and 77 samples of imported potatoes) were randomly obtained from supermarkets, farmers markets, and farmer plots in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The edible portion (pulp) was the only part considered for analysis because Spaniards traditionally eat only peeled potatoes. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Cd concentrations ranged from 0.006 mg/kg in the Cara and Negra varieties to 0.019 mg/kg in the Bonita variety, and Pb concentrations ranged from 0.007 mg/kg in the Up-to-date variety to 0.023 mg/kg in the Recara variety. The mean concentrations of Cd (0.01 mg/kg) and Pb (0.014 mg/kg) were below the limits established by European regulations for potatoes (0.1 mg/kg of wet weight for each metal). Based on a mean consumption of 143.2 g of potato per person per day for the Canary Islands population, the mean daily intakes of Cd (0.015 mg/day) and Pb (0.023 mg/day) were below the legislated respective tolerable weekly intakes. Thus, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat with regard to the metal concentrations found.

[Mineral composition of different types of Canarian gofio; factors affecting the presence of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cn and Zn]. / Composición mineral de los distintos tipos de gofio canario; factores que afectan a la presencia de Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu y Zn.

The contents of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were analyzed and evaluated in 181 samples of various types of gofio produced from different roasted cereal grains. Samples were analyzed by ICP-OES. Based on a daily gofio intake of 30 g/day for adults and 15 g/day for children, the daily intake of each metal, and its percentage contribution to the RDAs established for the Spanish population, were estimated. The metal with the highest concentration was K (2189 ± 766 mg/kg). The lowest concentration was observed for Cu in corn gofio samples (2.05 ± 0.36 mg/kg). With respect to daily intake, it is noteworthy that gofio contributes significantly to the recommended allowance of copper (53.77%-71.45% of the RDI), depending on the population group considered and on the type of gofio.

En este trabajo se ha estudiado la composición mineral de Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu y Zn en 181 muestras de diversos tipos de gofio elaborados con diferentes cereales. Las muestras se analizaron mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES). Considerando un consumo medio diario de 30 g de gofio en adultos y de 15 g de gofio en niños, se estimaron las ingestas diarias de cada metal y sus contribuciones porcentuales a las IDRs establecidas para la población española. El elemento que presentó la mayor concentración de todos los estudiados fue el K en muestras de gofio de cereales, con una concentración media de 2189 ± 766 mg/kg. El de menor concentración fue el Cu en muestras de gofio de maíz, con 2,05 ± 0,36 mg/kg. Con respecto a la ingesta, cabe destacar que el gofio contribuye de manera significativa a la ingesta de cobre (53,77%- 71,45% de la IDR), en función del grupo de población que se trate y del tipo de gofio.

Composición mineral de los distintos tipos de gofio canario; factores que afectan a la presencia de Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu y Zn / Mineral composition of different types of canarian gofio; factors affecting the presence of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cn And Zn

En este trabajo se ha estudiado la composición mineral de Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu y Zn en 181 muestras de diversos tipos de gofio elaborados con diferentes cereales. Las muestras se analizaron mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES). Considerando un consumo medio diario de 30 g de gofio en adultos y de 15 g de gofio en niños, se estimaron las ingestas diarias de cada metal y sus contribuciones porcentuales a las IDRs establecidas para la población española. El elemento que presentó la mayor concentración de todos los estudiados fue el K en muestras de gofio de cereales, con una concentración media de2189 ± 766 mg/kg. El de menor concentración fue el Cu en muestras de gofio de maíz, con 2,05 ± 0,36 mg/kg. Con respecto a la ingesta, cabe destacar que el gofio contribuye de manera significativa a la ingesta de cobre (53,77%-71,45% de la IDR), en función del grupo de población que se trate y del tipo de gofio (AU)

The contents of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were analyzed and evaluated in 181 samples of various types of gofio produced from different roasted cereal grains. Samples were analyzed by ICP-OES. Based on a daily gofio intake of 30 g/day for adults and 15 g/day for children, the daily intake of each metal, and its percentage contribution to the RDAs established for the Spanish population, were estimated. The metal with the highest concentration was K (2189 ± 766 mg/kg). The lowest concentration was observed for Cu in corn gofio samples (2.05 ± 0.36 mg/kg). With respect to daily intake, it is noteworthy that gofio contributes significantly to there commended allowance of copper (53.77%-71.45% of the RDI), depending on the population group considered and on the type of gofio (AU)

La docencia del área de Toxicología de la Universidad de La Laguna / The teaching of Toxicology at the University of La Laguna

La docencia de Toxicología en la Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) se integra en diversas Licenciaturas y Grados tales como Farmacia, Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (CTA), Medicina, Náutica y Transporte Marítimo y el Máster Oficial de Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos. En la Licenciatura de Farmacia en la ULL, el Área de Toxicología imparte la asignatura troncal Toxicología de 7 créditos y dos asignaturas optativas, Drogodependencias y Toxicología Clínica y Laboral, de 4,5 créditos cada una. En el Grado en Farmacia, se imparte la asignatura obligatoria de Toxicología (9 ECTS) y la asignatura optativa de Drogodependencias (6 ECTS). Asimismo, se imparte un total de 11 créditos en la Licenciatura de CTA quedando ésta extinguida en el curso académico 2013/2014. En la Licenciatura de Medicina, se imparte docencia de Toxicología en las asignaturas de Medicina Legal y Toxicología (asignado 1 crédito) y Toxicología clínica (4,5 créditos) mientras que en el Grado de Medicina se integra en las asignaturas Farmacología, anestesia y tratamiento del dolor (9 ECTS) y Aspectos éticos, aspectos legales y aspectos humanísticos de la Medicina (6 ECTS). En ellas, la Toxicología tiene asignado 1 y 0,5 ECTS, respectivamente. La Licenciatura de Náutica y Transporte Marítimo, la docencia de Toxicología se engloba en una asignatura obligatoria mientras que en el Grado en Ingeniería Radioelectrónica se incluye en una asignatura optativa (3 ECTS). En la docencia de Postgrado, la Toxicología se imparte en el Máster Oficial en Seguridad y Calidad de los Alimentos desde dos módulos con 6 ECTS cada uno de ellos (AU)

The Toxicology Department at the University of La Laguna (ULL) offers courses included in the curricula of several degrees such as Pharmacy, Food Science and Technology, Medicine, Marine and Maritime Transport, and Food Safety and Quality Master program. In the Bachelor of Pharmacy at ULL that will end in 2014/2015, the Toxicology Department offers the mandatory subject "Toxicology", with 7 credits, as well as two optional subjects ("Clinical and Professional Toxicology", and "Drug Addiction"), with 4.5 credits each. In the Degree in Pharmacy, the "Toxicology" course is a compulsory subject worth 9 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the optional "Drug Addiction" subject remains, and will be worth 6 ECTS. The Toxicology Department also gives a total of 11 credits in the Food Science and Technology Bachelor that will end in the academic course 2013/2014. In the Bachelor of Medicine, Toxicology is taught in two courses: "Pharmacology, anesthesia and pain management" (9 ECTS, of which 1 ECTS is for toxicology) and "Ethical, legal and humanistic aspects of medicine" (6 ECTS, of which 0.5 ECTS is for toxicology). In the Bachelor of Nautical and Maritime Transport, Toxicology is included in a mandatory subject while in the Bachelor of Radio Electronics Engineering, Toxicology is an optional subject (3 ECTS). As for postgraduate teaching, Toxicology is taught in the Master program in Food Safety and Quality, in two modules of 6 ECTS each (AU)

Trace elements and toxic metals in intensively produced tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) / Metales traza y metales tóxicos en tomates producidos intensivamente (lycopersicon esculentum)

Introduction: Tomato is considered a healthy food due to its high content in lycopene and other health-promoting natural compounds. Tomatoes have, undoubtedly, assumed the status of a food with functional properties, considering the epidemiological evidence of reducing the risk of certain types of cancers. Objective: Samples of tomatoes from Morocco were analyzed for the mineral composition. Methods: 94 tomato samples from Morocco were analyzed. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to determine essential elements (Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn)) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry with Graphite Furnace (GAAS) was used to analyzed cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Results: The mean concentrations were 0.17 mg/kg, 0.73 mg/kg, 0.20 mg/kg, 0.44 mg/kg, 7.58 μg/kg and 15.8 μg/kg for Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Pb, respectively. The highest contribution to the intakes was observed for Cu (0.67% for adults) while that Zn showed the lowest contribution (0.14% for adult males and 0.20% for adult females). Conclusions: Tomatoes are a good source of essential elements for the diet, mainly iron and zinc. Tomatoes consumption does not significantly affect the intake of heavy metals (AU)

Introducción: El tomate es considerado un alimento saludable debido a su alto contenido en licopeno y otros componentes naturales promotores de salud. Indudablemente, los tomates han asumido el estatus de un alimento con propiedades funcionales, considerando desde un punto de vista epidemiológico reducir ciertos tipos de cánceres Objetivo: Analizar la composición mineral de muestras de tomates de Marruecos. Métodos: 94 muestras de tomates de Marruecos fueron analizadas. Espectrofotometría de Absorción Atómica por llama (FAAS) se usó para determinar elementos esenciales (Cobre (Cu), hierro (Fe), manganeso (Mn) y zinc (Zn) y Espectrofotometría de Absorción Atómica con cámara de grafito (GAAS) se usó para analizar cadmio (Cd) y plomo (Pb). Resultados: Las concentraciones medias fueron 0,17 mg/kg, 0,73 mg/kg, 0,20 mg/kg, 0,44 mg/kg, 7,58 μg/kg and 15,8 μg/kg para Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd y Pb, respectivamente. La contribución a la ingesta más alta fue observada para el Cu (0,67% para adultos) mientras que el Zn presentó la contribución más baja (0,14% para hombres adultos y 0,20% para mujeres adultas). Conclusión: Los tomates son una buena fuente de elementos esenciales para la dieta, principalmente hierro y zinc. El consumo de tomates no afecta significativamente a la ingesta de metales pesados (AU)

Differentiation of mangoes (Magnifera indica L.) conventional and organically cultivated according to their mineral content by using support vector machines.

Mangoes of uniform genetics (Lippens variety) cultivated in the Gomera Island (Canary Islands) by conventional and organic farming were used to analyze the mineral content in order to differentiate crops cultivated in the same geographic area by the cultivation practices. Farming differences as well as soil differences may be reflected in the mineral content of the mangoes cultivated in these extensions. Concentration metal profiles consisting of the content of Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni and Zn in mangoes were obtained by using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Pattern recognition classification procedures were applied for discriminating purposes. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) allows to a classification performance of about 73% and support vector machines (SVM) found up to a 93% of prediction ability. The classification success when applying support vector machines techniques is due to their ability for modeling non-linear class boundaries.

Palm tree syrup: nutritional composition of a natural edulcorant.

INTRODUCTION: Palm syrup is a typical product from the Canary Islands, traditionally produced from the sap of the tropical palm tree Phoenix canariensis. Its high caloric content has led to its increasing use as a health food supplement for athletes, children and elderly. Furthermore, demand for this natural syrup is continuously increasing due also to its medicinal uses in homeopathic medicine. OBJECTIVE: Palm Tree syrup samples prepared with palm sap from primary producers in La Gomera island (Canary Islands, Spain) were analyzed for their nutritional composition (moisture, ash, sugars, fat, vitamins and minerals). METHODS: 35 syrup samples from five different producing regions in La Gomera island were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine sugars and vitamins and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to analyze the minerals. RESULTS: Major carbohydrates were sucrose (37.8%), glucose (9.50%) and fructose (4.80%), respectively. The presence of arabinose could not be confirmed. Niacin was the water-soluble vitamin with the highest concentration with an average content of 0.003%. Fat content was found to be under 0.20%. Potassium was the mineral with highest contents (0.45%). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that palm tree syrup can play an important role as a sugar and mineral source in human nutrition, suggesting that future applications for this product could be developed.

Palm tree syrup; nutritional composition of a natural edulcorant / Miel de palma; composición nutricional de un edulcorante natural

Introduction: Palm syrup is a typical product from the Canary Islands, traditionally produced from the sap of the tropical palm tree Phoenix canariensis. Its high caloric content has led to its increasing use as a health food supplement for athletes, children and elderly. Furthermore, demand for this natural syrup is continuously increasing due also to its medicinal uses in homeopathic medicine. Objective: Palm Tree syrup samples prepared with palm sap from primary producers in La Gomera island (Canary Islands, Spain) were analyzed for their nutritional composition (moisture, ash, sugars, fat, vitamins and minerals). Methods: 35 syrup samples from five different producing regions in La Gomera island were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine sugars and vitamins and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to analyze the minerals. Results: Major carbohydrates were sucrose (37.8%), glucose (9.50%) and fructose (4.80%), respectively. The presence of arabinose could not be confirmed. Niacin was the water-soluble vitamin with the highest concentration with an average content of 0.003%. Fat content was found to be under 0.20%. Potassium was the mineral with highest contents (0.45%). Conclusions: Results suggest that palm tree syrup can play an important role as a sugar and mineral source in human nutrition, suggesting that future applications for this product could be developed (AU)

Introducción: La miel de palma es un producto típico de las Islas Canarias, tradicionalmente producido a partir de la savia de la palmera Phoenix canariensis. El alto contenido calórico lo convierte en un producto cada vez más utilizado como suplemento alimenticio para atletas, niños y mayores. Además, la demanda de este sirope natural, está en constante crecimiento debido también a sus usos medicinales en la medicina homeopática. Objetivo: Analizar la composición nutricional (humedad, cenizas, azúcares, grasa, vitaminas y minerales) de las muestras de miel de palma preparadas con la savia de las palmeras de los productores de la isla de La Gomera (Islas Canarias, España). Métodos: 35 muestras de miel de palma procedentes de cinco regiones productoras de la isla de La Gomera fueron analizadas. Los azúcares y las vitaminas fueron medidos mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR) y la espectrofotometría de absorción atómica por llama (FAAS) se usó para determinar los minerales. Resultados: Los hidratos de carbono mayoritarios fueron sacarosa (37,8%), glucosa (9,50%) y fructosa (4,80%), respectivamente. La presencia de arabinosa no pudo ser confirmada. La niacina es la vitamina hidrosoluble con la mayor concentración con un contenido promedio de 0,003%. Los contenidos en grasas se encontraron por debajo de 0,20%. El potasio era el macroelemento con los contenidos más altos (0,45%). Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la miel de palma puede jugar un papel importante como una fuente de azúcar y minerales en la nutrición humana y se pueden desarrollar futuras aplicaciones para este producto (AU)

Trace elements and toxic metals in intensively produced tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum).

INTRODUCTION: Tomato is considered a healthy food due to its high content in lycopene and other health-promoting natural compounds. Tomatoes have, undoubtedly, assumed the status of a food with functional properties, considering the epidemiological evidence of reducing the risk of certain types of cancers. OBJECTIVE: Samples of tomatoes from Morocco were analyzed for the mineral composition. METHODS: 94 tomato samples from Morocco were analyzed. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to determine essential elements (Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn)) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry with Graphite Furnace (GAAS) was used to analyzed cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). RESULTS: The mean concentrations were 0.17 mg/kg, 0.73 mg/kg, 0.20 mg/kg, 0.44 mg/kg, 7.58 µg/kg and 15.8 µg/kg for Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Pb, respectively. The highest contribution to the intakes was observed for Cu (0.67% for adults) while that Zn showed the lowest contribution (0.14% for adult males and 0.20% for adult females). CONCLUSIONS: Tomatoes are a good source of essential elements for the diet, mainly iron and zinc. Tomatoes consumption does not significantly affect the intake of heavy metals.

Trace elements and metals in farmed sea bass and gilthead bream from Tenerife Island, Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of metals (Ca, K, Na, Mg) and trace metals (Ni, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd) in two fish species (gilthead bream [Sparus aurata] and sea bass [Dicentrarchus labrax]) collected from fish farms located along the coast of Tenerife Island. Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas Pb, Cd, and Ni were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn contents were 3.09, 0.59, 0.18, and 8.11 mg/kg (wet weight) in S. aurata and 3.20, 0.76, 0.24, and 10.11 mg/kg (wet weight) in D. labrax, respectively. In D. labrax, Ca, K, Na, and Mg levels were 1,955, 2,787, 699.7, and 279.2 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively; in S. aurata, they were 934.7, 3,515, 532.8, and 262.8 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively. The Pb level in S. aurata was 7.28 ± 3.64 µg/kg (wet weight) and, in D. labrax, 4.42 ± 1.56 µg/kg (wet weight). Mean Cd concentrations were 3.33 ± 3.93 and 1.36 ± 1.53 µg/kg (wet weight) for D. labrax and S. aurata, respectively. All Pb and Cd levels measured were well below the accepted European Commission limits, 300 and 50 µg/kg for lead and cadmium, respectively.

Content of toxic heavy metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium) in canned variegated scallops (Chlamys varia).

The concentrations of three toxic heavy metals, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), were determined in preserved variegated scallops (Chlamys varia, Bivalvia, Mollusca), which are often consumed in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). A total of 300 samples of seven commercial brands (A, B, D, H, J, L, and M) and one processed product ("scallop sauce") were analyzed. Samples were collected weekly in a major shopping area in Santa Cruz de Tenerife during a 12-month period. The concentrations of lead and mercury were far below the maximum limit permitted for human consumption by the European Communities Commission regulation (EC) 466/2001 (1 and 0.5 mg kg(-1) wet weight for Pb and Hg, respectively). Concentrations of cadmium were close to the maximum limit permitted by regulation (EC) 466/2001 (1 mg kg(-1) wet weight).

El zinc: oligoelemento esencial / Zinc: an essential oligoelement

En este artículo se hace una revisión exhaustiva del zinc, elemento metálico esencial para el funcionamiento del organismo. Repasamos y reflejamos aspectos relacionados con la farmacocinética, con las fuentes dietéticas más importantes, así como las IDR (Ingestas Dietéticas Recomendadas) del mismo. También se hace mención a los signos y síntomas relacionados tanto con una ingesta deficiente, como con posibles efectos tóxicos, derivados de ingestas excesivas

This article comprehensively reviews zinc, the metallic element essential for body functioning. We review and highlight issues related to pharmacokinetics, the most important dietary sources, as well as its RDIs (Recommended Dietary Intakes). We also focus on signs and symptoms related with both a deficient intake and possible toxic effects derived from excessive intakes

[Zinc: an essential oligoelement]. / El zinc: oligoelemento esencial.

This article comprehensively reviews zinc, the metallic element essential for body functioning. We review and highlight issues related to pharmacokinetics, the most important dietary sources, as well as its RDIs (Recommended Dietary Intakes). We also focus on signs and symptoms related with both a deficient intake and possible toxic effects derived from excessive intakes.

Lead and cadmium in meat and meat products consumed by the population in Tenerife Island, Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lead and cadmium in chicken, pork, beef, lamb and turkey samples (both meat and meat products), collected in the island of Tenerife (Spain). Lead and cadmium were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium were 6.94 and 1.68 microg kg(-1) in chicken meat, 5.00 and 5.49 microg kg(-1) in pork meat, 1.91 and 1.90 microg kg(-1) in beef meat and 1.35 and 1.22 microg kg(-1) in lamb meat samples, respectively. Lead was below the detection limit in turkey samples and mean cadmium concentration was 5.49 microg kg(-1). Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium in chicken meat product samples were 3.16 and 4.15 microg kg(-1), 4.89 and 6.50 microg kg(-1) in pork meat product, 6.72 and 4.76 microg kg(-1) in beef meat product and 9.12 and 5.98 microg kg(-1) in turkey meat product samples, respectively. The percentage contribution of the two considered metals to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated for meat and meat products. Statistically significant differences were found for lead content in meats between the chicken and pork groups and the turkey and beef groups, whereas for cadmium concentrations in meats, significant differences were observed between the turkey and chicken, beef and lamb groups. In meat products, no clear differences were observed for lead and cadmium between the various groups.

[Implementation and evaluation of critical hazards and check points analysis (CHCPA) in gofio-producing industries from Tenerife]. / Implantación y evaluación del análisis de peligros y puntos de control críticos (APPCC) en las industrias tinerfeñas productoras de Gofio.

OBJECTIVE: To satisfactorily implement the critical hazards and check points analysis. SETTING: Tenerife Island Subjects: 15 industries INTERVENTION: visits to gofio-manufacturing industries were done with the aim of giving advice to employers and workers, and thereafter, the intervention was assessed verifying the hygiene and sanitary conditions of the industry and the correct application of the established auto-control system. RESULTS: After the advising intervention, we observed that certain parameters taken into account from the hygiene and sanitary perspective have been corrected, such as modifying the facilities to adapt them to in force regulations, or asking the suppliers to certify raw materials. With regards to food production process, the intervention was effective in such a way that more than have of the industries reduced the time of those phases with higher contamination susceptibility and to carry out the control registries that were established. CONCLUSIONS: All industries implemented the auto-control system by means of registration charts of each one of the elaboration phases. 86% of the industries have introduced more hygienic materials. 60% implemented a reduction in intermediate times of production phases. 26% perfmored some obsolete machinery replacement modernaizing the facilities.

Análisis, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las intoxicaciones arsenicales / Analysis, diagnosis and treatment of arsenic poisoning

El arsénico (As) fue aislado por primera vez como elemento químico por Jabir-Ibn-Haiyanb en el año 776 y su nombre procede etimológicamente del griego arsenicon (masculino). Es de color gris y apariencia metálica y brillante, posee escasas propiedades metálicas, se encuentra ampliamente distribuido en el universo y su toxicidad depende de las distintas formas químicas y estados de oxidación que posee: -3, 0, +3 y +5. La evolución histórica de la Toxicología está íntimamente unida al uso de este metaloide. Actualmente, las sustancias arsenicales se utilizan en la industria, en la agricultura y ganadería y en medicina. Por ello, las fuentes de exposición del hombre a este metal son diversas destacando la laboral, la alimentaria y la medicamentosa. En este trabajo se hace una revisión de la etiología, medidas preventivas, análisis, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las intoxicaciones por As (AU)

Arsenic (As) was isolated for the first time as a chemical element by Jabir-Ibn-Haiyanb in the year 776, and its name comes etymologically from the Greek arsenicon (masculine). It is gray in color and of a shining metallic appearance, has little metallic properties, is distributed widely in the universe and its toxicity depends on the different chemical forms and states of oxidation that it has: -3, 0, +3 and +5. The historical evolution of the toxicology is intimately united to the use of this nonmetal. At present, arsenical substances are used in industry, agriculture, cattle ranching, and medicine. For that reason, the sources of exposure of man to this metal are diverse; out standing are labor, food and medicaments. In this work a revision is made of the etiology, preventive measures, analysis, diagnosis and treatment of the poisoning by As (AU)