Knowledge of the levels of macro- and microelements in food fish is crucial in terms of both nutrition and health protection. The daily reference intakes of macronutrients and micronutrients for adults are defined in European legislation. However, minerals may have adverse effects on the body in quantities exceeding the body’s requirements. Grass carp, bighead carp, Siberian sturgeon and wels catfish are food fish of commercial significance in many countries. The objective of the study was to determine the content of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr) and selenium (Se) in the muscles of grass carp, bighead carp, Siberian sturgeon and wels catfish and to compare these values with reference values. In addition, the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) were determined in order to assess the potential risk of a toxic effect of these elements on consumer health. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to evaluate the content of Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cr and Se. The average content of these elements (mg kg-1 WW) was as follows: Ca 68.02 - 894.9, Mg 97.60 - 226.0, Cu 0.36 - 1.15, Mn 0.25 - 0.34, Zn 5.78 - 7.09, Fe 4.29 - 6.73, Cr 0.08 - 0.33 and Se 0.02 - 0.05. The content of minerals in the muscles of the four fish species did not exceed the daily reference values for adults. The EDI, THQ and TTHQ values did not indicate a risk of a toxic effect on people consuming these four fish species. All examined fish species contained a significant quantity of Cr, and grass carp contained a significant quantity of Se as well.  

24.1.2019