Comparative Study of Heavy Metals Concentrations and Dietary Reference Intakes in Selected Foodstuffs

Heavy metals of selected foodstuffs (egg, banana, onion and milk) obtained from three different locations in Khartoum state, Sudan were determined and compared with dietary reference intake for both adult and children. The foodstuffs samples were digested using dry ashing procedure and their minerals were determined by Atomic Emission spectrophotometer (ICPE). Results showed that intake of 100 gm per day of egg by adults or children significantly increased the level of Sc, Al, Cu, Hg, As, and Ba and exceeded the dietary reference intake in all locations. Intake of banana significantly increased the level of TI, I, Cr, Al, Pb, and Ba in all locations while intake of onion significantly increased the level of Sc, I, Cr, Se, Al, As, and Ba. Intake of 100gm per day of milk had no adverse effect and increased the level of Sc, As and Ba only. Ba is the predominant element in all foodstuffs and locations and significantly exceeded the dietary reference intake.