Chemia Naissensis Volume 7, No.1 (2024) (стр. 1-12)
АУТОР(И) / AUTHOR(S): Marija Dimitrijević 
, Luka Petrić, Dragoljub Miladinović
DOI: 10.46793/ChemN7.1.01D
САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:
This study investigates the element composition, including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and selenium, in six different leafy vegetable species commonly consumed in salads. The vegetables analyzed were Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Spinacia oleracea (spinach), Cichorium intybus (radicchio), Valerianella locusta (lamb’s lettuce), Cichorium endivia (endive), and Eruca sativa (eruca). The contribution of the mentioned elements in the diet by consuming a portion of 100 g fresh salad was evaluated by the recommended daily intake. The results revealed significant variations in element content among the species. Given the recommended daily intake of selenium, these vegetables can contribute significantly to meeting daily selenium requirements (35.9% –60.5%). The elevated selenium concentrations in L. sativa (3.327 mg/kg) and V. locusta (2.467 mg/kg) indicate that regularly consuming these foods may be an effective means of boosting dietary selenium intake, thereby supporting its vital role in human health. Other results demonstrate the diverse element content across different leafy vegetables, which can provide varying health benefits depending on the mineral requirements. Based on the elemental content across the samples, L. sativa has the greatest content of calcium (12302 mg/kg), while S. oleracea has the highest magnesium and potassium content (6131 mg/kg and 22854 mg/kg), C. endivia stands out for its high sodium content (20840 mg/kg)
КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:
nutrient elements, commercial salads, ICP OES
ПРОЈЕКАТ/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, grant numbers 451-03-65/2024-03/200113 and SANU, grant numbers O-02-17.
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