Whey Protein Dietary Supplements: Metal Exposure Assessment and Risk Characterization.

Protein supplements (PS) are trendy foods, especially those made from whey. In addition to providing protein, these products are a source of metals, providing essential elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) and other potentially toxic elements (Al, B, Sr, V Ba, and Ni). In this study, 47 whey PS samples were analyzed for mineral elements by ICP-OES, and their dietary exposures were assessed for three consumption scenarios. Elements found in higher concentrations were K (4689.10 mg/kg) and Ca (3811.27 mg/kg). The intake of 30 g PS (average recommended amount/day) provides about 20% of the established reference value (NRI) for Cr (18.30% for men and 25.63% for women) and Mo (26.99%). In a high daily consumption scenario (100 g PS/day) and when the maximum concentrations are considered, Cr, Zn, Fe, Mo, and Mg dietary intakes of these metals exceed the daily recommended intakes and could pose a risk. The daily intake of 30, 60, and 100 g of whey PS for 25 years does not pose a health risk since the hazard index (HI) is less than one in these consumption scenarios, and the essential elements contributing most to HI are Co, followed by Mo and Cr. It is recommended to improve the information to the consumers of these new products. Furthermore, to help in the management and prevention of these potential health risks, it would be advisable to improve the regulation of these dietary supplements and their labeling.

Fluoride Levels in Supply Water from the Canary Islands Region.

The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean, are an archipelago of volcanic origin which, for decades, has been affected by natural fluoride contamination in the water supply of some of its islands, mainly the island of Tenerife. In addition, recent volcanic eruptions in the archipelago and the increased demand for water supply have led to an increase in the fluoride content in other areas which, historically, were not affected. Fluoride content was determined in 274 water supply samples from the most populated islands of the Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria) collected during the months of June 2021 to May 2022. The samples were analysed by fluoride ion selective potentiometry. The highest concentrations in Tenerife were found in the municipalities of Sauzal (7.00 mg/L) and Tegueste (5.39 mg/L), both water samples are over the parametric value of 1.5 mg/L set in the supply water legislation. In the Gran Canaria Island, the highest fluoride levels were found in Valsequillo and Mogán with 1.44 mg/L in both locations, but under the parametric fluoride value abovementioned. Consumption of just 1 L of water per day in the El Sauzal area would result in a contribution rate of 77% for adults and children over 15 years of age (Upper Level value of 7 mg/day) and 108% for children 9-14 years of age (UL value of 5 mg/day). The contribution rates increase considerably, reaching or exceeding 100% of the reference value (UL) with increasing consumption of 1 to 2 L of water per day. Therefore, it is considered that there is a health risk of overexposure to fluoride on the island of Tenerife. In the case of the island of Gran Canaria, it has been shown that even the consumption of 2 litres of water per day does not confer contribution rates that pose a health risk.

Pesticide Residues in Bananas from the Canary Islands.

There are a large number of pests which are detrimental to plant production, specifically to banana cultivation, and the use of pesticides is the main method of control of these pests. Therefore, the number of active substances in pesticides has been steadily increasing since before the Second World War. There is growing consumer concern about the health effects of pesticide residues and there is certainly evidence of a link between pesticide exposure and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is of particular interest to study the presence of pesticide residues in bananas and their toxicological, agricultural and legal implications. In this study, the content of pesticide residues in bananas produced in the Canary Islands during a ten-year period from 2008 to 2017 was determined. A total of 733 samples of bananas were analysed during the study period, in which 191 different active substances were investigated, involving 103,641 assessments. The samples analysed were selected in such a way that they are representative of the banana sector in the Canary Islands as a whole, taking into account geographical and climatic factors, cultivation methods and the processing of bananas in packaging, which are the differentiating factors in the use of pesticides. The reference parameter for the residue investigation is the MRL (maximum residue limit).

Toxic Metals (Al, Cd, and Pb) in Instant Soups: An Assessment of Dietary Intake.

Instant soups and noodles are one of the most widely consumed commercial food products. These products are made from ingredients of animal (chicken, meat) and/or vegetable origin, in addition to various food additives that prolong the shelf life of the product. It should be noted that instant soups are a dehydrated product, whose water-removal process can increase the accumulation of contaminants, such as toxic metals (Al, Cd, or Pb), that are harmful to the health of consumers. The content of toxic metals (Al, Cd, and Pb) in a total of 130 samples of instant soups of different types (poultry, meat, and vegetables) was determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry). The Al content (32.28 ± 19.26), the Cd content (0.027 ± 0.016), and the Pb content (0.12 ± 0.13) in the vegetable soups were worth mentioning. Considering an intake of twenty grams (recommended by the manufacturer), the dietary intake of Al (19.56% of the TWI set at 1 mg/kg bw/week), the intake of Cd (6.59% of the TWI set at 2.5 µg/kg bw/week), and the Pb intake (16.18% of the BMDL set for nephrotoxic effects at 0.63 µg/kg bw/week and 6.84% of the BMDL set for cardiovascular effects at 1.50 µg/kg bw/week) in the population aged 3-10 years, instant soups are not recommended for the population aged 3-10 years, while their consumption does not pose a health risk for adults. However, it is necessary to consider the cooking water used in the preparation of these products, as it may increase exposure to these toxic metals, in addition to the rest of the diet.

Fluoride Exposure from Ready-To-Drink Coffee Consumption.

Fluoride is present in various foods ingested daily. It has been demonstrated that the intake of high concentrations of fluoride, both in adults and children, can cause pathologies, among which dental fluorosis, osteoporosis and damage to the central nervous system stand out. The objective of this study was to determine the fluoride concentrations in 60 samples of ready-to-drink cold brewed coffee of different brands and types (expresso, cappuccino, macchiato and decaffeinated) by the fluoride ion-selective potentiometric method. A statistical analysis was also performed to discern the existence of differences between these categories. The highest fluoride concentration (1.465 mg/L) was found in espresso coffee followed by Macchiato (1.254 mg/L). Decaffeinated coffee is the one that presented the lowest fluoride concentration with 0.845 mg/L. The risk assessment was conducted considering different consumption scenarios (250, 500 and 750 mL/day). The UL (upper level) established by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) at 7 mg/day was used. The consumption of three servings poses no health risk; however, it confers a significant value of fluoride contribution to the diet.

Microplastics as Emerging Food Contaminants: A Challenge for Food Safety.

Microplastics (MPs) have been identified as emerging environmental pollutants classified as primary or secondary based on their source. Composition, shape, size, and colour, among other characteristics, are associated with their capacity to access the food chain and their risks. While the environmental impact of MPs has received much attention, the risks for humans derived from their dietary exposure have not been yet assessed. Several institutions and researchers support that the current knowledge does not supply solid data to complete a solid risk characterization of dietary MPs. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge about MPs in foods and to discuss the challenges and gaps for a risk analysis. The presence of MPs in food and beverages has been worldwide observed, but most authors considered the current data to be not only insufficient but of questionable quality mainly because of the outstanding lack of consensus about a standardized quantifying method and a unified nomenclature. Drinking water, crustaceans/molluscs, fish, and salt have been identified as relevant dietary sources of MPs for humans by most published studies. The hazard characterization presents several gaps concerning the knowledge of the toxicokinetic, toxicodynamic, and toxicity of MPs in humans that impede the estimation of food safety standards based on risk. This review provides a tentative exposure assessment based on the levels of MPs published for drinking water, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, and salt and using the mean European dietary consumption estimates. The intake of 2 L/day of water, 70.68 g/day of crustaceans/molluscs, 70.68 g/day of fish, and 9.4 g/day of salt would generate a maximum exposure to 33,626, 212.04, 409.94 and 6.40 particles of MPs/day, respectively. The inexistence of reference values to evaluate the MPs dietary intake prevents the dietary MPs risk characterization and therefore the management of this risk. Scientists and Food Safety Authorities face several challenges but also opportunities associated to the occurrence of MPs in foods. More research on the MPs characterization and exposure is needed bearing in mind that any future risk assessment report should involve a total diet perspective.

[Metal content and trace elements in groundwater supply of the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain).] / Contenido de metales y elementos traza en aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento de la isla de El Hierro (islas Canarias, España).

OBJECTIVE: Volcanic eruptions are a natural source of substances potentially dangerous to human health. The island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) suffered a marine volcanic eruption in 2012, making it necessary to monitor the levels of certain elements that can alter the quality of groundwater supply. The objective of this work was to determine the content of metals and trace elements in the groundwater supply of the Isla del Hierro and to check if they met the quality parameters established in Spanish legislation. METHODS: The content of metals and trace elements (aluminum, lead, cadmium, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, boron, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, strontium, vanadium, zinc, fluorine) in a total of 60 samples of groundwater supply and agriculture from six different sampling points on the island. The determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES) and by fluoride ion selective potentiometry. The data were statistically analyzed applying the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Levene's statistic, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Tukey's test. Significant differences were those that met p<0.05. RESULTS: The highest mean concentration of lead was recorded in the Tigaday samples (0.003±0.0005 mg/L), finding statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in the lead levels between the sampling points. The elements analyzed were below the parametric values set in Royal Decree 140/2003. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained reflect that, in all the samples analyzed, the quality parameters established in the Spanish legislation (RD 140/2003) are met, being, therefore, waters suitable for human consumption.

OBJETIVO: Las erupciones volcánicas son una fuente natural de sustancias potencialmente peligrosas para la salud humana. La isla de El Hierro (Islas Canarias, España) sufrió una erupción volcánica marina en el año 2012, siendo necesaria la monitorización de los niveles de ciertos elementos que pueden alterar la calidad de las aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el contenido de metales y elementos traza de las aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento de la Isla del Hierro y comprobar si cumplían los parámetros de calidad establecidos en la legislación española. METODOS: Se determinó el contenido de metales y elementos traza (aluminio, plomo, cadmio, calcio, potasio, sodio, magnesio, boro, bario, cobalto, cromo, cobre, hierro, litio, manganeso, molibdeno, níquel, estroncio, vanadio, zinc, flúor) en un total de 60 muestras de agua subterránea de abastecimiento y de agricultura procedentes de seis puntos diferentes de muestreo de la isla. La determinación fue llevada a cabo mediante espectrofotometría de emisión óptica de plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) y mediante potenciometría de ion selectivo de fluoruro. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente aplicando los tests de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, estadístico de Levene, Kruskal-Wallis, U de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA y test de Tukey. Se consideraron diferencias significativas aquellas que cumplían p<0,05. RESULTADOS: La mayor concentración media de plomo se registró en las muestras de Tigaday (0,003±0,0005 mg/L), encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) en los niveles de plomo entre los puntos de muestreo. Los elementos analizados se encontraban por debajo de los valores paramétricos fijados en el Real Decreto 140/2003. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados obtenidos reflejan que, en todas las muestras analizadas, los parámetros de calidad establecidos en la legislación española (RD 140/2003) se cumplen, siendo, por lo tanto, aguas aptas para el consumo humano.

Niveles de fluoruro en dentífricos y colutorios / Fluoride levels in toothpaste and mouthwashes

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso de dentífricos y enjuagues bucales o colutorios que tienen fluoruro en su composición se ha ampliado ya que se ha demostrado que este elemento tiene una alta actividad contra las bacterias cariogénicas. Sin embargo, una ingesta excesiva de cualquiera de estos productos, puede producir intoxicaciones que conducen a diversas patologías a largo plazo. OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el contenido de fluoruro de productos dentales (dentífricos y colutorios) para evaluar si existe algún tipo de riesgo al ingerir accidentalmente grandes cantidades de estos en ciertos grupos de población y comparar los niveles experimentales con los declarados en el etiquetado. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se han analizado un total de 117 muestras de productos dentales mediante potenciometría con electrodo de ion selectivo de fluoruro. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: Se ha registrado la mayor concentración de fluoruro (18412±0.009 mg/kg) en el dentífrico Vitis® junior sabor tutti frutti. El mayor nivel de fluoruro encontrado en los colutorios (2703±38.4 mg/L) ha sido registrado en la marca Lacer® Oros. CONCLUSIONES: No existe ningún tipo de riesgo si el cepillado se realiza correctamente y, en el caso de los niños, de forma supervisada para evitar ingestiones accidentales. No obstante, de producirse, se necesitarían cantidades muy altas de estos productos para desencadenar un efecto tóxico a corto y largo plazo

INTRODUCTION: The use of dentifrices and mouthwashes or mouthwashes that have fluoride in their composition has been extended since it has been shown that this element has a high activity against cariogenic bacteria. However, excessive intake of any of these products can cause poisoning that leads to various long-term pathologies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine the fluoride content of dental products (dentifrices and mouthwashes) to assess whether there is any type of risk by accidentally ingesting large amounts of these in certain population groups and comparing the experimental levels with those declared in the labelling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 117 samples of dental products have been analyzed by potentiometry with fluoride selective ion electrode. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The highest concentration of fluoride (18412±0.009 mg/kg) has been recorded in the Vitis® junior tutti frutti flavor toothpaste. The highest level of fluoride found in mouthwashes (2703±38.4 mg/L) has been registered under the Lacer® Oros brand. CONCLUSIONS: There is no risk if brushing is done correctly and, in the case of children, in a supervised way to avoid accidental ingestion. However, if produced, very high amounts of these products would be needed to trigger a toxic effect in the short and long term

Contenido de metales y elementos traza en aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento de la Isla de El Hierro (Islas Canarias, España) / Metal content and trace elements in groundwater supply of the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain)

OBJETIVO: Las erupciones volcánicas son una fuente natural de sustancias potencialmente peligrosas para la salud humana. La isla de El Hierro (Islas Canarias, España) sufrió una erupción volcánica marina en el año 2012, siendo necesaria la monitorización de los niveles de ciertos elementos que pueden alterar la calidad de las aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el contenido de metales y elementos traza de las aguas subterráneas de abastecimiento de la Isla del Hierro y comprobar si cumplían los parámetros de calidad establecidos en la legislación española. MÉTODOS: Se determinó el contenido de metales y elementos traza (aluminio, plomo, cadmio, calcio, potasio, sodio, magnesio, boro, bario, cobalto, cromo, cobre, hierro, litio, manganeso, molibdeno, níquel, estroncio, vanadio, zinc, flúor) en un total de 60 muestras de agua subterránea de abastecimiento y de agricultura procedentes de seis puntos diferentes de muestreo de la isla. La determinación fue llevada a cabo mediante espectrofotometría de emisión óptica de plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) y mediante potenciometría de ion selectivo de fluoruro. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente aplicando los tests de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, estadístico de Levene, Kruskal-Wallis, U de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA y test de Tukey. Se consideraron diferencias significativas aquellas que cumplían p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: La mayor concentración media de plomo se registró en las muestras de Tigaday (0,003±0,0005 mg/L), encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05) en los niveles de plomo entre los puntos de muestreo. Los elementos analizados se encontraban por debajo de los valores paramétricos fijados en el Real Decreto 140/2003. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados obtenidos reflejan que, en todas las muestras analizadas, los parámetros de calidad establecidos en la legislación española (RD 140/2003) se cumplen, siendo, por lo tanto, aguas aptas para el consumo humano

OBJECTIVE: Volcanic eruptions are a natural source of substances potentially dangerous to human health. The island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) suffered a marine volcanic eruption in 2012, making it necessary to monitor the levels of certain elements that can alter the quality of groundwater supply. The objective of this work was to determine the content of metals and trace elements in the groundwater supply of the Isla del Hierro and to check if they met the quality parameters established in Spanish legislation. METHODS: The content of metals and trace elements (aluminum, lead, cadmium, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, boron, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, strontium, vanadium, zinc, fluorine) in a total of 60 samples of groundwater supply and agriculture from six different sampling points on the island. The determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES) and by fluoride ion selective potentiometry. The data were statistically analyzed applying the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Levene's statistic, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Tukey's test. Significant differences were those that met p < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest mean concentration of lead was recorded in the Tigaday samples (0.003±0.0005 mg/L), finding statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the lead levels between the sampling points. The elements analyzed were below the parametric values set in Royal Decree 140/2003. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained reflect that, in all the samples analyzed, the quality parameters established in the Spanish legislation (RD 140/2003) are met, being, therefore, waters suitable for human consumption

[CAFFEINE AND QUININE IN SOFT DRINKS; CONTRIBUTION TO THE DIETARY INTAKE]. / CAFEÍNA Y QUININA EN BEBIDAS REFRESCANTES; CONTRIBUCIÓN A LA INGESTA DIETÉTICA.

INTRODUCTION: soft drinks are becoming increasingly consumed by society. They are composed by a great variety of components, some of which can produce adverse effects if they are frequently consumed in high levels. OBJECTIVES: determine caffeine and quinine concentration to prove that those concentration levels are lower than the legal limits allowed and calculate the contribution to dietary intake to obtain the Estimated Daily Intake. METHODS: levels of caffeine and quinine of the main brands of soft drinks were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography technique. RESULTS: concentrations were obtained for all brands, and the medium level was estimated. CONCLUSIONS: it has been observed that in any case the maximum concentration limits are exceeded and the contribution to dietary intake doesn't mean adverse reaction.

Introducción: las bebidas refrescantes son cada vez más consumidas por la sociedad. Están compuestas por una gran variedad de sustancias, de las cuales algunas, si se consumen en dosis altas y con elevada frecuencia, pueden provocar efectos negativos. Objetivos: determinar la concentración de cafeína y quinina para comprobar si sus niveles se encuentran por debajo de los máximos permitidos por la reglamentación técnico-sanitaria vigente y calcular la contribución a la ingesta dietética obteniendo la Ingesta Diaria Estimada. Método: se analizaron las concentraciones de cafeína y quinina en las principales marcas comerciales de refrescos, usando para ello la técnica de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. Resultados: se obtuvieron concentraciones para todas las marcas analizadas, que permitieron estimar la media en cada una. Conclusiones: se ha observado que en ningún caso se superan las concentraciones máximas y que la contribución a la ingesta no genera aparición alguna de reacción adversa.

Cafeína y quinina en bebidas refrescantes; contribución a la ingesta dietética / Caffeine and quinine in soft drinks; contribution to the dietary intake

Introducción: las bebidas refrescantes son cada vez más consumidas por la sociedad. Están compuestas por una gran variedad de sustancias, de las cuales algunas, si se consumen en dosis altas y con elevada frecuencia, pueden provocar efectos negativos. Objetivos: determinar la concentración de cafeína y quinina para comprobar si sus niveles se encuentran por debajo de los máximos permitidos por la reglamentación técnico-sanitaria vigente y calcular la contribución a la ingesta dietética obteniendo la Ingesta Diaria Estimada. Método: se analizaron las concentraciones de cafeína y quinina en las principales marcas comerciales de refrescos, usando para ello la técnica de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución. Resultados: se obtuvieron concentraciones para todas las marcas analizadas, que permitieron estimar la media en cada una. Conclusiones: se ha observado que en ningún caso se superan las concentraciones máximas y que la contribución a la ingesta no genera aparición alguna de reacción adversa (AU)

Introduction: soft drinks are becoming increasingly consumed by society. They are composed by a great variety of components, some of which can produce adverse effects if they are frequently consumed in high levels. Objectives: determine caffeine and quinine concentration to prove that those concentration levels are lower than the legal limits allowed and calculate the contribution to dietary intake to obtain the Estimated Daily Intake. Methods: levels of caffeine and quinine of the main brands of soft drinks were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography technique. Results: concentrations were obtained for all brands, and the medium level was estimated. Conclusions: it has been observed that in any case the maximum concentration limits are exceeded and the contribution to dietary intake doesn’t mean adverse reaction (AU)

[TOXIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF FLUORIDE PRESENCE IN BOTTLED WATER CONSUMPTION IN THE CANARY ISLANDS]. / EVALUACIÓN DEL RIESGO TÓXICO POR LA PRESENCIA DE FLUORURO EN AGUAS DE BEBIDA ENVASADA CONSUMIDAS EN CANARIAS.

INTRODUCTION: fluorine, as an hormetin, is necessary in the organism to avoid caries; but large amounts can produce toxic side effects such as dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis. Thus, it is important not to exceed chronically the RDIs (Recommended Daily Intakes) per each age and sex range. It is assumed that the main fluoride source is water. OBJECTIVES: to establish fluoride concentrations at certain bottled water brands being consumed in the Canary Islands for renovating the outdated data, and to evaluate the subsequent toxic risk. METHOD: 25 samples have been used from 7 different registered and commercialized brands, being analyzed by a potentiometer with a fluoride ion selective electrode. RESULTS: all analyzed water brands satisfied quality criteria according to the Spanish law, no one could be considered "fluorinated water" and all of them could be used to prepare baby food. Moreover, according to the recommended daily water intake by the EFSA per each age range, no water analyzed brand could exceed the RDI for no one over 4 years old. CONCLUSIONS: the bottled waters that are produced in the Canary Islands have similar fluoride concentrations than those that are produced in the Peninsula (all of them have a data range between 0.24 and 0.62 mg/L). The individuals who have more water restrictions are those under 1 year old; but in any case, while the child is growing up, the levels of fluoride consumption can be higher (until 19 years old) and therefore the water brands variety that can be drunk, without exceeding the RDI, is also higher. In some places in the Canary Islands, it would be advisable to consume bottled water in place of tap water.

Introducción: el flúor, como hormetina, es necesario en el organismo para evitar las caries, pero en cantidades excesivas puede llevar a efectos tóxicos adversos como la fluorosis dental o la fluorosis invalidante. Así, será importante no sobrepasar de forma crónica las IDR (Ingestas Diarias Recomendadas) para cada rango de edad y sexo. Se asume que la principal fuente de aporte de fluoruros es el agua. Objetivos: establecer las concentraciones de fluoruro en determinadas marcas de agua envasada que se consumen en Canarias, para renovar los datos ya desactualizados, y hacer la correspondiente evaluación del riesgo tóxico. Método: se han utilizado 25 muestras de siete marcas registradas y comercializadas diferentes, siendo analizadas mediante determinación potenciométrica con electrodo ion selectivo de fluoruro. Resultados: todas las marcas de agua analizadas cumplen con los criterios de calidad según la legislación actual española, ninguna puede considerarse "agua fluorada" y todas se pueden usar en la preparación de alimentos infantiles. Además, según las ingestas diarias de agua recomendadas por la EFSA para cada rango de edad, no se supera la IDR para ningún individuo mayor de cuatro años ni para ninguna de las marcas de agua analizadas. Conclusiones: las aguas envasadas producidas en Canarias tienen niveles de fluoruro similares a las producidas en la península (todas en un rango de 0,24 a 0,62 mg/L). Los individuos sobre los que recaen las restricciones más amplias de consumo de agua son los menores de un año, pero en cualquier caso, a medida que el individuo crece va aumentando la permisibilidad del aporte de fluoruros (aumenta hasta los 19 años) y, por tanto, aumenta la variedad de aguas envasadas que se pueden consumir sin superar la IDR. En ciertos lugares de la Comunidad Autónoma Canaria sería recomendable consumir agua envasada respecto al agua de abastecimiento público.

Evaluación del riesgo tóxico por la presencia de fluoruro en aguas de bebida envasada consumidas en Canarias / Toxic risk assessment of fluoride presence in bottled water consumption in the Canary Islands

Introducción: el flúor, como hormetina, es necesario en el organismo para evitar las caries, pero en cantidades excesivas puede llevar a efectos tóxicos adversos como la fluorosis dental o la fluorosis invalidante. Así, será importante no sobrepasar de forma crónica las IDR (Ingestas Diarias Recomendadas) para cada rango de edad y sexo. Se asume que la principal fuente de aporte de fluoruros es el agua. Objetivos: establecer las concentraciones de fluoruro en determinadas marcas de agua envasada que se consumen en Canarias, para renovar los datos ya desactualizados, y hacer la correspondiente evaluación del riesgo tóxico. Método: se han utilizado 25 muestras de siete marcas registradas y comercializadas diferentes, siendo analizadas mediante determinación potenciométrica con electrodo ion selectivo de fluoruro. Resultados: todas las marcas de agua analizadas cumplen con los criterios de calidad según la legislación actual española, ninguna puede considerarse 'agua fluorada' y todas se pueden usar en la preparación de alimentos infantiles. Además, según las ingestas diarias de agua recomendadas por la EFSA para cada rango de edad, no se supera la IDR para ningún individuo mayor de cuatro años ni para ninguna de las marcas de agua analizadas. Conclusiones: las aguas envasadas producidas en Canarias tienen niveles de fluoruro similares a las producidas en la península (todas en un rango de 0,24 a 0,62 mg/L). Los individuos sobre los que recaen las restricciones más amplias de consumo de agua son los menores de un año, pero en cualquier caso, a medida que el individuo crece va aumentando la permisibilidad del aporte de fluoruros (aumenta hasta los 19 años) y, por tanto, aumenta la variedad de aguas envasadas que se pueden consumir sin superar la IDR. En ciertos lugares de la Comunidad Autónoma Canaria sería recomendable consumir agua envasada respecto al agua de abastecimiento público (AU)

Introduction: fluorine, as an hormetin, is necessary in the organism to avoid caries; but large amounts can produce toxic side effects such as dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis. Thus, it is important not to exceed chronically the RDIs (Recommended Daily Intakes) per each age and sex range. It is assumed that the main fluoride source is water. Objectives: to establish fluoride concentrations at certain bottled water brands being consumed in the Canary Islands for renovating the outdated data, and to evaluate the subsequent toxic risk. Method: 25 samples have been used from 7 different registered and commercialized brands, being analyzed by a potentiometer with a fluoride ion selective electrode. Results: all analyzed water brands satisfied quality criteria according to the Spanish law, no one could be considered 'fluorinated water' and all of them could be used to prepare baby food. Moreover, according to the recommended daily water intake by the EFSA per each age range, no water analyzed brand could exceed the RDI for no one over 4 years old. Conclusions: the bottled waters that are produced in the Canary Islands have similar fluoride concentrations than those that are produced in the Peninsula (all of them have a data range between 0.24 and 0.62 mg/L). The individuals who have more water restrictions are those under 1 year old; but in any case, while the child is growing up, the levels of fluoride consumption can be higher (until 19 years old) and therefore the water brands variety that can be drunk, without exceeding the RDI, is also higher. In some places in the Canary Islands, it would be advisable to consume bottled water in place of tap water (AU)

Heavy metals in cigarettes for sale in Spain.

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of eight metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr) in 33 cigarette brands for sale in Spain. Samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Mean values obtained were 428 µg Al/g, 0.810 µg Cd/g, 0.558 µg Co/g, 1.442 µg Cr/g, 112.026 µg Mn/g, 2.238 µg Ni/g, 0.602 µg Pb/g and 82.206 µg Sr/g. Statistically significant differences were observed with respect to concentrations of Co (0.004), Cr (0.045), Mn (0.005) and Sr (0.005) between black and blond tobacco and between levels of Mn (0.027) among manufacturers. Considering a Cd inhalation rate of 10% and a Cd absorption rate of 50%, absorption of Cd for smokers of 30 cigarettes/day was estimated at 0.75 µg Cd/day. An inhalation rate of 2-6% and an absorption rate of 86% were considered for Pb, Pb absorption in smokers of 30 cigarettes/day was therefore 0.18-0.54 µg/day. In view of the significant toxic effects of these metals, quantification and control of their concentrations in this drug are of the utmost importance.

El agua de consumo como fuente de exposición crónica a fluoruro en Tenerife; evaluación del riesgo / Tap water as a dietary source of exposure to fluoride in Tenerife; risk assessment

Introducción: El agua de consumo humano es la principal fuente de exposición al fluoruro para la población. De acuerdo con el Real Decreto 140/2003, el contenido en fluoruro en el agua de consumo humano no debe superar el valor paramétrico de 1,5 mg/L. Históricamente, ciertas aguas de consumo en Tenerife han superado este valor debido a sus características geológicas/volcánicas. El flúor juega un papel importante en la prevención de la caries dental. Sin embargo, la exposición crónica a concentraciones superiores a 1,5 mg/L en el agua de bebida puede provocar trastornos como la fluorosis dental. Objetivos: Determinar la cantidad de fluoruro en el agua de consumo humano de 11 municipios del norte de la isla de Tenerife que en el momento del estudio superaba el valor paramétrico de fluoruro y estimar y evaluar toxicológicamente las ingestas diarias a partir del consumo de agua considerando las IDR (Ingestas Diarias Recomendadas) establecidas en España para distintos grupos poblacionales. Método: 44 muestras de aguas de abastecimiento público recogidas en los 11 municipios objeto del estudio fueron analizadas usando la determinación potenciométrica de fluoruro mediante el uso de un electrodo de ión selectivo. Resultados: 9 de los 11 municipios las aguas de abasto presentaron concentraciones de fluoruro medias que superaron el valor paramétrico fijado por la legislación española. Considerando un consumo medio diario de agua de 2 L, la ingesta diaria recomendada (IDR) para mujeres (3 mg/día) es superada en 9 de los 11 municipios y la IDR para hombres (4 mg/día) es superada en 5 de los 11 municipios. Considerando un consumo medio diario de agua de 1,5 L, la IDR establecida para los niños de 2 a 3 años (0,7 mg/día) es superada ampliamente en todos los municipios. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos evidencian el problema de salud pública existente en la isla de Tenerife y justifican las restricciones de consumo establecidas por la Dirección General de Salud Pública del Servicio Canario de Salud, vigentes en el momento del estudio. Los niños son el grupo poblacional más expuesto a los riesgos del fluoruro debido a que su IDR es menor (AU)

Introduction: Drinking water is the main source of fluoride exposure for the population. According to the Spanish Law RD 140/2003, the fluoride content in drinking water should not exceed the parametric value of 1.5 mg/L. Historically, certain drinking waters in the island of Tenerife have exceeded this value due to the geological/volcanic characteristics of the Canary Islands. Fluoride (F) plays an important role in the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay). However, long exposure to concentrations above 1.5 mg/L in drinking water can cause disorders such as dental fluorosis. Objectives: To determine the amount of fluoride in the tap waters of the 11 municipalities in the north of the island of Tenerife that, at the time of the study, exceeded the parametric value for fluoride set by the Spanish legislation and to toxicologically estimate and evaluate the fluoride daily intakes from water considering the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) established in Spain for different population groups. Method: 44 samples of tap water collected in the 11 municipalities in the study were analyzed using the fluoride potentiometric determination with an ion selective electrode. Results: 9 of the 11 municipalities presented mean fluoride concentrations in their tap water that exceeded the parametric value set by the Spanish legislation (1.5 mg/L). Considering an average daily water consumption of 2 L, the recommended daily intake (RDI) for women (3mg F/day) is exceeded in 9 of the 11 municipalities and the RDI for men (4 mg F/day) is exceeded in 5 of the 11 municipalities. Considering a daily water consumption of 1.5 L, the RDI for children of 2-3 years (0.7 mg/day) is clearly exceeded in all municipalities. Conclusions: The results show the existing public health problem on the island of Tenerife and justify the tap water consumption restrictions put in force by the Public Health Authorities of the Canary Islands at the time of the study. Children are the most exposed population group to the risks of fluoride because its RDI is lower (AU)

[Tap water as a dietary source of exposure to fluoride in Tenerife; risk assessment]. / El agua de consumo como fuente de exposición crónica a fluoruro en Tenerife; evaluación del riesgo.

INTRODUCTION: drinking water is the main source of fluoride exposure for the population. According to the Spanish Law RD 140/2003, the fluoride content in drinking water should not exceed the parametric value of 1.5 mg/L. Historically, certain drinking waters in the island of Tenerife have exceeded this value due to the geological/volcanic characteristics of the Canary Islands. Fluoride (F) plays an important role in the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay). However, long exposure to concentrations above 1.5 mg/L in drinking water can cause disorders such as dental fluorosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the amount of fluoride in the tap waters of the 11 municipalities in the north of the island of Tenerife that, at the time of the study, exceeded the parametric value for fluoride set by the Spanish legislation and to toxicologically estimate and evaluate the fluoride daily intakes from water considering the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) established in Spain for different population groups. METHOD: 44 samples of tap water collected in the 11 municipalities in the study were analyzed using the fluoride potentiometric determination with an ion selective electrode. RESULTS: 9 of the 11 municipalities presented mean fluoride concentrations in their tap water that exceeded the parametric value set by the Spanish legislation (1.5 mg/L). Considering an average daily water consumption of 2 L, the recommended daily intake (RDI) for women (3mg F/day) is exceeded in 9 of the 11 municipalities and the RDI for men (4 mg F/day) is exceeded in 5 of the 11 municipalities. Considering a daily water consumption of 1.5 L, the RDI for children of 2-3 years (0.7 mg/day) is clearly exceeded in all municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the existing public health problem on the island of Tenerife and justify the tap water consumption restrictions put in force by the Public Health Authorities of the Canary Islands at the time of the study. Children are the most exposed population group to the risks of fluoride because its RDI is lower.

Introducción: el agua de consumo humano es la principal fuente de exposición al fluoruro para la población. De acuerdo con el Real Decreto 140/2003, el contenido en fluoruro en el agua de consumo humano no debe superar el valor paramétrico de 1,5 mg/L. Históricamente, ciertas aguas de consumo en Tenerife han superado este valor debido a sus características geológicas/volcánicas. El flúor juega un papel importante en la prevención de la caries dental. Sin embargo, la exposición crónica a concentraciones superiores a 1,5 mg/L en el agua de bebida puede provocar trastornos como la fluorosis dental. Objetivos: determinar la cantidad de fluoruro en el agua de consumo humano de 11 municipios del norte de la isla de Tenerife que en el momento del estudio superaba el valor paramétrico de fluoruro y estimar y evaluar toxicológicamente las ingestas diarias a partir del consumo de agua considerando las IDR (Ingestas Diarias Recomendadas) establecidas en España para distintos grupos poblacionales. Método: 44 muestras de aguas de abastecimiento público recogidas en los 11 municipios objeto del estudio fueron analizadas usando la determinación potenciométrica de fluoruro mediante el uso de un electrodo de ión selectivo. Resultados: 9 de los 11 municipios las aguas de abasto presentaron concentraciones de fluoruro medias que superaron el valor paramétrico fijado por la legislación española. Considerando un consumo medio diario de agua de 2 L, la ingesta diaria recomendada (IDR) para mujeres (3 mg/día) es superada en 9 de los 11 municipios y la IDR para hombres (4 mg/día) es superada en 5 de los 11 municipios. Considerando un consumo medio diario de agua de 1,5 L, la IDR establecida para los niños de 2 a 3 años (0,7 mg/día) es superada ampliamente en todos los municipios. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos evidencian el problema de salud pública existente en la isla de Tenerife y justifican las restricciones de consumo establecidas por la Dirección General de Salud Pública del Servicio Canario de Salud, vigentes en el momento del estudio. Los niños son el grupo poblacional más expuesto a los riesgos del fluoruro debido a que su IDR es menor.

Metales en algas comestibles: Evaluación y estudio comparativo / Metals in edible algae: evaluation and comparative study

Los contenidos de 4 macroelementos (Na, K, Ca, Mg), 13 elementos traza (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) y 3 metales tóxicos (Al, Cd, Pb) se determinaron por espectrometría de emisión atómica por plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) en 27 muestras de 7 especies de algas comestibles deshidratadas (Porphyra spp., Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria spp., Undari pinnatífica, Hilmanthia elongata, Ulva lactuca), procedentes de dos orígenes diferentes (la costa asiática y la Unión Europea) y comercializadas en la isla de Tenerife (Islas Canarias, España). Las concentraciones medias (mg/kg) fueron: 4281 (Na), 7179 (K), 3222 (Ca), 2458 (Mg), 38,14 (B), 2,72 (Ba), 0,11 (Co), 0,26 (Cr), 1,98 (Cu), 106 (Fe), 8,21 (Mn), 0,11 (Mo), 2,33 (Li), 10,63 (Zn), 1,02 (Ni), 1,47 (Sr), 1,54 (V), 48,71 (Al), 0,30 (Cd) y 0,17 (Pb). El consumo de algas (4 g/día) podría contribuir a las ingestas dietéticas de metales esenciales y elementos traza principalmente Mg (4,13% de la IDR en mujeres adultas y 3,54% de la IDR en hombres adultos) y Fe (2,36% de la IDR en mujeres adultas y 4,71% de la IDR en hombres adultos). Las ingestas de metales tóxicos (195 μg Al/día 1,18 μg Cd/día y 0,68 μg Pb/día) derivada del consumo de 4 g/día de las algas analizadas no representan riesgo toxicológico para los consumidores (AU)

The content of 4 macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg), 13 trace elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) and 3 toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in 27 samples of 7 dehydrated edible seaweed species (Porphyra spp., Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria spp., Undari pinnatífica, Hilmanthia elongata, Ulva lactuca), from two different production origins (Asian coast and European Union) and purchased in Tenerife island (Canary Islands, Spain). Mean concentrations (mg/kg) were: 4281 (Na), 7179 (K), 3222 (Ca), 2458 (Mg), 38.14 (B), 2.72 (Ba), 0.10 (Co), 0.26 (Cr), 1.98 (Cu), 106 (Fe), 8.21 (Mn), 0.11 (Mo), 2.33 (Li), 10.63 (Zn), 1.02 (Ni), 1.47 (Sr),1.54 (V), 48.71 (Al), 0.30 (Cd) and 0.17 (Pb). Daily consumption of seaweed (4 g/day) contributes to the dietary intake of metals, mainly Mg (4.13% of the RDA for adult women, and 3.54% of the RDA for adult men) and Fe (2.36% of the RDA for adult women, and 4.71% of the RDA in adult men). The estimated intakes of toxic metals derived from a daily seaweed consumption of 4 g (195 μg Al/day, 1.18 μg Cd/day and 0.68 μg Pb/day) did not reveal toxicological risks for consumers (AU)

Consumo de bebidas energizantes en universitarios / Consumption of energy drink on college

Fundamentos; Estudiar el consumo de bebidas energizantes (Energy drinks) en alumnos de la Universidad de La Laguna (Tenerife) y evaluar la ingesta de cafeína derivada de su consumo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a través de una encuesta anónima a 307 estudiantes universitarios (18-30 años) pertenecientes a 18 facultades de la ULL. El conocimiento de la composición de las bebidas energetizantes, los hábitos de consumo, y la combinación con alcohol y drogas fueron algunos de los ítems analizados. Asimismo, se efectuó una revisión bibliografía sistemática sobre cafeína y bebidas energizantes, en las bases de datos de MEDLINE/Pub-Med, Scielo, Science Direct, EBscohost. Resultados; 82.74% de los universitarios encuestados han probado como mínimo una vez en su vida este tipo de bebidas, aqunue sólo algo más de la mitad de los alumnos conoce su composición (58.31%). El consumo de estas bebidas energizantes en nuestra población universitaria no puede considerarse habitual ya que un 88.60% declara no consumir semanalmente. El consumo aumenta en los períodos de exámenes alcanzando una prevalencia de consumo del 33.33%. El 24.2% de los estudiantes manifiesta consumirlas en momentos de ocio. El 30.29% y el 2.28% de los encuestados afirmó mezclarlas con alcohol y otras drogas, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El consumo de bebidas energizantes están instaurado en la población universitaria. Aunque el consumo no es habitual se observa un incremento del consumo en época de exámenes ya que los estudiantes buscan los efectos energizantes y/o estimulantes. La mayoría de los universitario desconocen la composición de estas bebidas energizantes (AU)

Objective: To study the consumption of energy drinks in students of the University of La Laguna (Tenerife) and to evaluate the intake to caffeine derived from such beverages. Methods: An anonymous surveys of 307 college students (ages 18-30) from 18 faculties of ULL was conducted. Among the variables analyzed were: knowledge of the composition of these drinkd, consumption habits, and the combination with alcohol and drugs. A systematic bibliographic revision was done using the MEDLINE/Pub-Med, Scielo, Science Direct and Ebscohot databases. Results: 82.74% of university respondents have consumed, at least once in their life, such beverages, although only just over half the students know their composition (58.31%). Consumption of these energy drinks in university students is not frequent as 88.60% reported a non-weekly rate of consumption.Consumption rises in periods of examinations reaching a prevalence of consumption of 33.33%. also, 24.21% of students reported that they consume energy drinks at time of leisure. 30.29% and 2.28% of respondents reported mixing the beverages with alcohol and other drugs, respectively. Conclusions: Consumption of enerfy drinks is widespread in the university population. Although consumption is not regular, an increase of its consumption was detected during examination times because students seek their energizing and stimulating effects. Most od ULL´s students are unaware of the composition of energy drinks (AU)

Contenido en metales (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu y Zn) en el menú mensual de una guardería pública de Tenerife / Metal content (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) in the monthly menu of a Tenerife public preschool

Fundamento: Determinación de las concentraciones de Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu y Zn en el menú de una guardería pública de Tenerife. Estimación y evaluación de las ingestas metálicas. Métodos: 47 muestras del menú mensual de una guardería pública fueron analizadas. Los metales fueron determinados mediante Espectroscopia de Absorción Atómica con Llama. Para la estimación de las ingestas se usó el peso de las raciones servidas. La evaluación de las ingestas se hizo por comparación con las Ingestas Dietéticas de Referencia (IDRs) establecidas para la población infantil española. Resultados: El contenido medio de Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu y Zn en el menú fue de 1882,14; 1690,94; 192,61; 193,15; 2,35; 0,37; 0,49 y 4,76 mg/kg, respectivamente. Las ingestas diarias estimadas de Na obtenidas de este almuerzo (1047,18 mg para niños de 0-1 año y 1038,2 mg Na para niños de 1-3 años) son superiores a las IDRs. Asimismo, el menú servido no cubre los valores de ingestas de Fe, Mn y Ca recomendados para el almuerzo (35% de las recomendaciones diarias). Conclusiones: Se recomienda un rediseño del menú servido en este centro escolar (AU)

Background: To determine the Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations in a public preschool's menu from Tenerife . Assessment and evaluation of the metals estimated daily intakes. Methods: 47 samples corresponding to the monthly menu of the public preschool were analyzed. Metals were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Metal daily intakes were estimated using the portions? weight. The estimated intakes were compared with Dietary Reference Intakes (RDIs) set for the Spanish infant population. Results: The average contents of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in the menu were 1882,14; 1690,94; 192,61; 193,15; 2,35; 0,37; 0,49 and 4,76 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated Na intakes obtained from this lunch (1047,18 mg for children aged 0-1 years and 1038,2 mg Na for children aged 1-3 years) are higher than the recommended IDRs. Furthermore, the served menu does not cover the Fe, Mn and Ca intakes that are recommended for a lunch (35% of the total daily recommendation). Conclusions: A redesign of the menu served in this school has been recommended (AU)