Estudo da presença e da fração bioacessivel de elementos traço em amostras de chá-mate empregando espectrometria de absorção atômica

Abstract

Yerba mate tea is a widely consumed drink in the southern states of Brazil, not only because of its flavor and aroma, but also due to its therapeutic properties. Such properties are associated with the presence of several chemical constituents in its composition, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. These minerals may be essential to the human body, or highly toxic, depending on their form and concentration. In this sense, this study aimed to determine the total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Al in commercial mate tea, as well as the content of these elements in infusions prepared at room temperature (cold) and hot; to determine phenolic concentrations in infusions using the Folin-Ciocalteu method; to evaluate the bioaccessible fractions of these elements and to verify whether the addition of some ingredients to the infusions (cinnamon, lemon, honey and sugar) may influence the bioavailability of aluminium. The quantifications were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization in graphite and flame furnace. For total content analyses, the wet route (optimized by factorial planning) showed the best results when compared to the dry route. The total concentrations for the four brands studied varied: Cd (0.08 to 0.320 μg g-1); Pb (0.36 to 0.44 μg g -1); Cu (10.3 to 12 μg g -1) and Al (347 to 526 μg g -1). Regarding infusions, the highest contents of Al and Cd were found in the hot infusions, while cold infusion presented the highest levels of Cu and Pb. Thus, the order of extraction in hot and cold infusions was Cd> Pb> Al> Cu. With respect to the phenolic contents, the highest concentrations were obtained in the hot infusions ranging from 13 to 17 mg g-1. In the in vitro bioaccessibility studies using the gastric simulation method (PBET) the Cd and Cu elements were the most bioaccessible metals, while Al was found in relatively inert (low bioaccessibility) form. It was also found that the daily consumption of 100 ml of the drink by an adult does not exceed the limits of daily intake of these metals recommended by the World Health Organization. It was also verified that the addition of ingredients such as sugar and honey to these beverages may decrease the bioavailable levels of Al.