Essential and non-essential/toxic trace elements in whey protein supplements

Twenty-six (26) trace elements (essential and non-essential/toxic) were determined in 49 whey protein (WP) supplements available for sale in the Portuguese market by inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry. The most abundant essential trace element was Fe (13.7 +/- 16.7 mu g/g) and the least abundant was Co (0.040 +/- 0.028 mu g/g). The estimated daily intake was calculated and, considering a daily consumption of 50 g of WP supplement, on average, 100 % of the recommended dietary allowance for Mo and ca. 40 % for Se is met. A safety assessment was also performed based on the Permitted Daily Exposure limits settled by the USP, general chapter < 2232 >. The daily consumption of 50 g of WP supplement does not contribute for more than 12.1 % (Cd) of those limits, as regards As, Cd, Pb and Hg. Thus, WP supplements can be considered safe products, regarding the presence of potentially toxic elements.