The evaluation of some macroelement levels in selected dietary supplements supporting immune system of the human organism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12923/Keywords:
dietary supplements, calcium, magnesium, flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS)Abstract
Dietary supplements enjoy great popularity among consumers in Poland - it is possible to apply them prophylactically or as supplements in therapy of different disease entities. Preparations taken with an aim to increase body's resistance constitute the important group of supplements. Plant raw materials included in the studied supplements contain active substances which biologically reveal general strengthening action, restore physical fitness and intellectually stimulate the organism and improve properties of the immunological system. Powdered herbalist's raw materials composing these preparations can frequently abound in significant amounts of mineral substances. Due to the scarcity of academic publications connected with mineral composition of this type of preparations and their frequent application, examining calcium content and of magnesium (of the micronutrients important for the human body), appeared to be substantiated.
The subject of the research were the supplements in the form of capsules and tablets: (Acerola Plus, Cat’s Claw, Maca, Maca 50 Plus, Spirulina, Spirulina Hawajska, Spirulina Pacifica, Vilcacora, Żeń-szeń from „Herbapol” Herbal Plant in Krakow, Żeń-szeń – Ginseng (KRKA), Żeń-szeń (Naturell), Żeń-szeń koreański (Walmark), Żeń-szeń (vita-complex) and fluid preparations: (Aloes - aloe juice;, Aloe vera drinking gel, Aloes- aloe juice with pulp pieces, Aloes Activ, Aloes Young, Bodymax Tonik, Ginsengin 400, Ginsenol, Noni, Noni-vita, Noni Plus. Samples of supplements were mineralized “dry” at the temp. of 450˚C. Calcium and magnesium contents were determined in the of the atomic absorption spectrometer SOLAAR M 5 (Thermo Elemental).
The smallest levels of calcium and magnesium were noted in the liquid preparations: of calcium from 0.81 μg.ml-1 (Ginsenol) and 1.36 μg.ml-1 (Activ Aloe) to 250.9 μg.ml-1 (Aloe Vera drinking gel) and of magnesium from 2.27 μg.ml-1 (Aloe Activ) to 153.7 μg.ml-1 (Noni-vita). In supplements in the form of capsules and tablets, calcium content ranged from 45.92 μg.g-1 (Acerola Plus) to over 20 000 μg.g-1 (Maca, Maca 50 Plus) and of magnesium from 513 μg.g-1 (Maca 50 Plus) and 517 μg.g-1 (Maca) to 4043 μg.g-1 (Żeń-szeń - vita-complex).
Calcium and magnesium contents in the studied dietary supplements were diversified - depending on pharmaceutical form of preparation and the composition. Stated quantities of mentioned macroelements can fill up daily demand of the organism for calcium and magnesium in the course of their application.
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