Toxic inorganic elements in plant-based beverages: Total concentration, dietary exposure and bioaccessibility

The growing demand in the plant-based beverages market has shown the need to carry out studies on the composition of inorganic elements. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of 11 elements with toxic potential in plant-based beverages marketed in Brazil using ICP-MS, including a dietary exposure assessment and determination of bioaccessibility. The total contents were Al (<200–15350), Cr (<4–66.5), Co (<4–30.6), Ni (6.1–437), As (<4–6.43), Mo (<4–591), Cd (<4–8.24), Ba (11.6–16110) and Pb (<4–7.2) µg kg-1, while Sb and Hg were below the LOQ (4 µg kg-1) for all samples. The levels of Cd, Pb and As are in agreement with the limits established by the Codex Alimentarius and the Brazilian authorities. The exposure assessment demonstrated that risks to health are unlikely for the elements Al, Cr, Co, As, Cd and Pb. However, higher levels of Ni, Mo and Ba observed in some samples indicate a need for monitoring these elements. Bioaccessibility above 50% was observed for Co (51–107%) and Ni (54–86%) for all samples studied, reinforcing the need for caution in the consumption of these products, especially by children. The present results can be a relevant tool in providing data on inorganic contaminants and their bioaccessibility in plant-based beverages.