Chemical speciation: an instrument for evaluation of mineral bioavailability

Abstract

Chemical speciation allows knowing the the different chemical forms of metals in a sample. Sequential extraction procedures are used to evaluate the fractionation of the metals in solid matrices. Few studies are described in the literature related to chemical speciation in food. Residues from fruits and vegetables generated in industry processes results in significant nutritional losses. The nutritional value of a food containing a given mineral depends not only on its content, but also on its bioavailability. The present paper emphasizes the importance of chemical speciation in food, considering the amount of loss of fruits and vegetables, since they are great sources of minerals.

Keywords

• especiação química
• micronutrientes
• alimentos.