Evaluation of the macro, essential micro, and toxic element compositions of commercial red beetroot juice samples using ICP-MS

Red beetrootjuice (RBJ) is known for its health benefits. However, red beetroot is a soil-grown crop; thus, water sources and materials used in vegetable juice production are particularly vulnerable to toxic elements. This study investigated the concentrations of macro, essential micro, and toxic elements in RBJ samples and their compliance with relevant regulations. The analysis revealed that the RBJ samples contained average concentrations of 1179 mg 100 mL⁻¹ sodium (Na), 124 mg 100 mL⁻¹ potassium (K), 21.18 mg 100 mL⁻¹ calcium (Ca), 13.37 mg 100 mL⁻¹ magnesium (Mg), and 13.21 mg 100 mL⁻¹ phosphorus (P). The average levels of essential microelements were 634 µg 100 mL⁻¹ iron (Fe), 85.8 µg 100 mL⁻¹ manganese (Mn), 25.71 µg 100 mL⁻¹ zinc (Zn), 9.68 µg 100 mL⁻¹ copper (Cu), 0.345 µg 100 mL⁻¹ cobalt (Co), 9.05 µg 100 mL⁻¹ selenium (Se), and 1.197 µg 100 mL⁻¹ molybdenum (Mo). Although RBJ is a moderate source of K, Mn, and Se, it contributed less significantly to daily intake levels of Ca, Mg, and Zn. In terms of toxic elements, high levels of aluminum (Al; mean: 6369 µg L⁻¹), arsenic (As; 28.66 µg L⁻¹), and chromium (Cr; 142 µg L⁻¹) were found, exceeding the maximum allowable limits set by standards. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb; detected in 5 samples), Co (exceeding limits in 3 samples), and nickel (Ni) were also detected but generally remained within acceptable thresholds. The findings of this study emphasize the dual role of RBJ as both a source of beneficial micronutrients and a potential carrier of toxic elements.