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

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Analysis of the mineral content in dietary supplements for athletes

Issue: 3/2026

Recevied: April 15, 2026

Accepted: August 27, 2026

Published: August 30, 2026

Authors:

I. Mystkowska, K. Seweryn, A. Dmitrowicz

Categories: Food science

DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2026.31.2.3869

Abstract:

Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular, yet these products are subject to less stringent quality regulations than pharmaceuticals. The present study employed the ICP-OES method to analyze a selection of elements (Ca, Mg, P, Al, and Zn) in dietary supplements. This analysis was conducted to assess compliance between the actual composition of the supplements and the manufacturers' declarations. Additionally, it was used to estimate daily exposure to metals at the recommended intake. A number of supplements exhibited discrepancies between their declared and actual composition, suggesting variability resulting from manufacturing processes and inadequate quality control. In the majority of the analyzed supplements, the concentrations of elements derived from excipients were found to be lower than the stated values on the product labels. Additionally, the presence of certain elements, such as calcium (Ca) in two products and phosphorus (P) in one, was not declared despite their substantial concentrations. An evaluation of product exposure indicated that the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for zinc was surpassed in merely two products, which could potentially engender health concerns with prolonged utilization. The most significant variability in composition was observed in multi-ingredient supplements, particularly those containing caffeine, while creatine supplements demonstrated greater consistency. These findings underscore the imperative for enhanced quality control measures in the domain of dietary supplements, particularly with respect to the composition of excipients and the congruence between manufacturers' declarations and the actual composition of the products.

Citation:

JELEM / HARVARD

quote-mark
Mystkowska, I., Seweryn, K. and Dmitrowicz, A. (2026) 'Analysis of the mineral content in dietary supplements for athletes', Journal of Elementology, 31(3), , available: https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2026.31.2.3869

MDPI

quote-mark
Mystkowska, I.; Seweryn, K.; Dmitrowicz, A. Analysis of the mineral content in dietary supplements for athletes. J. Elem. 2026, 31, 3, . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2026.31.2.3869

AMA

quote-mark
Mystkowska I, Seweryn K, Dmitrowicz A. Analysis of the mineral content in dietary supplements for athletes. J. Elem. 2026;31(3):. https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2026.31.2.3869

CHICAGO

quote-mark
Mystkowska Iwona, Seweryn Kacper, Dmitrowicz Aleksandra. 2026. "Analysis of the mineral content in dietary supplements for athletes" J. Elem. 31, no.3: . https://doi.org/10.5601/jelem.2026.31.2.3869



Keywords:

metals, dietary supplements, ICP-OES, creatine, caffeine

About issue:

31.3.2026
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