Evaluation of methylmercury cytotoxicity at intestinal level

Assessment of metal levels in foodstuffs from the Region of Valencia (Spain).

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Study of the factors influencing the bioaccessibility of 10 elements from chocolate drink powder

Abstract A risk/benefit assessment of chocolate drink powder has been conducted by evaluating the total contents and the bioaccessibilities of Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P and Zn. The bioaccessibility was studied considering the type of sample (traditional, light, diet and organic) and the different factors that may affect it, including physical-chemical parameters of the human digestive process (gastric pH, concentration of bile salts and presence of lipase) and the presence of dietary components (phytate, pectin, cellulose and tannin). The bioaccessibility varied greatly according to the sample type, being greater in the diet and organic samples, and on the element being considered (…

Mercury and selenium in fish and shellfish: Occurrence, bioaccessibility and uptake by Caco-2 cells

This study evaluates Hg and Se concentrations and bioaccessibility (element solubilised after simulated gastrointestinal digestion) in 16 raw seafood species consumed in Spain. The concentrations varied greatly (Hg, 3.8-1621 ng/g wet weight, ww; Se, 84-1817 ng/g ww). Only one sample of swordfish exceeded the Hg limit permitted in Spain (1mg/kg), and for this sample the Hg/Se molar ratio and Se Health Benefit Value food safety criteria also indicated the presence of a risk. Bioaccessibility of Hg (35-106%) and Se (17-125%) was very variable and the Hg/Se molar ratio in the bioaccessible fraction was less than one for all samples. Transport by Caco-2 cells, an intestinal epithelium model, was…