Elemental composition and evaluation of noncarcinogenic risks of bee pollen from different Turkish areas

Abstract

Bee pollen is a complex natural compound formed by the honey bee when it mixes with pollen, nectar, and bee saliva. It contains wide range elements that have great importance for the human biochemical process. However, when the content of certain minerals in the pollen exceeds the legal limit, it can have a toxic effect on health. The objective of this study aimed to assess and identify the presence of 16 essential (K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Si, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo, Ni, Cr, Se, and Co) and 16 non‐essential elements (Al, Be, Ba, As, Cd, Hg, Tl, Li, Sb, U, Pb, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ti and U) in bee pollen samples from different floral sources in Turkey, while also evaluating the non‐carcinogenic risks associated with bee pollen. A melissopalynological investigation was conducted to identify the plant origins of the bee pollen samples. Afterwards, the levels of 32 elements in bee pollen samples were quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Finally, calculations were performed to determine the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) %, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The bee pollen samples had varying levels of macro, trace, and ultra‐trace elements, with K, P, Ca, Mg, and Na being the most abundant macro elements, and Ti, Ba, Ni, Cr, and V being the least abundant ultra‐trace elements. The RDA % values for essential elements in bee pollen were found to vary, with Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cr being the highest. The results of the THQ and HI calculations showed that consuming bee pollen at recommended rates did not pose a risk to the health of adults or children (THQ <1; HI< 1).