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Journal Title Abbrev.
J. Elem.
ISSN – 1644-2296
DOI: 10.5601

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Identification of iron in foods: Mössbauer spectroscopy study

Issue: 1/2026

Recevied: October 7, 2025

Accepted: December 14, 2025

Published: December 17, 2025

Authors:

M. Kądziołka-Gaweł, M. Wojtyniak

Categories: Food science

DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2025.30.4.3674

Abstract:

Iron is a multifunctional trace element that plays a key role in the growth and development of the human body at all stages of its life. This element is a nutrient that the human body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through food. Iron deficiency develops when the amount of iron in the diet is insufficient, leading to anemia and other pathological changes in the body. Iron is an essential ingredient in many food products, so with a bit of willingness, it is possible to provide the body with the right amount of it. Limited research has examined the mineral content of plant or animal-based foods, especially iron. For this reason, this paper used Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence methods to examine the concentration and properties of iron in foods. The content of other essential micro- and macronutrients for our body, such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, was also determined. Such knowledge is particularly relevant in the current environment, with an increasing number of people adopting a plant-based diet. Our research is based on products readily available in supermarkets or butcher shops. Among others, we used products such as black olives, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, beef, pork, and poultry liver. Studies show that just 100 grams of animal products provide an adequate daily dose of iron. The iron in these products is primarily heme iron, with only beef spleen, pork spleen, and pork liver containing non-heme iron. The plant-based products studied should not be considered a sufficient source of this element in the daily diet. However, these products contain significantly more magnesium and calcium than animal products.

Citation:

JELEM / HARVARD

quote-mark
Kądziołka-Gaweł, M. and Wojtyniak, M. (2026) 'Identification of iron in foods: Mössbauer spectroscopy study', Journal of Elementology, 31(1), , available: https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.4.3674

MDPI

quote-mark
Kądziołka-Gaweł, M.; Wojtyniak, M. Identification of iron in foods: Mössbauer spectroscopy study. J. Elem. 2026, 31, 1, . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.4.3674

AMA

quote-mark
Kądziołka-Gaweł M, Wojtyniak M. Identification of iron in foods: Mössbauer spectroscopy study. J. Elem. 2026;31(1):. https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.4.3674

CHICAGO

quote-mark
Kądziołka-Gaweł Mariola, Wojtyniak Marcin. 2026. "Identification of iron in foods: Mössbauer spectroscopy study" J. Elem. 31, no.1: . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2025.30.4.3674



Keywords:

dietary iron, iron content, heme and nonheme iron; animal products, plant products, Mössbauer spectroscopy

About issue:

31.1.2026
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