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Macro and Trace Mineral Constituents and Radionuclides in Mushrooms: Health Benefits and Risks

Summary

This research examines the mineral content of edible mushrooms and their ability to accumulate both beneficial and potentially harmful elements from the environment. The study has important implications for food safety and nutrition. Key impacts on everyday life: – Mushrooms can be excellent dietary sources of essential minerals like potassium, copper and zinc – Some wild mushrooms may accumulate toxic elements when growing in contaminated areas – Careful selection of mushroom species and collection sites is important for food safety – Cultivated mushrooms generally contain lower levels of toxic elements than wild species – Certain mushroom species can be used to produce mineral-enriched functional foods

Background

Mushrooms are heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms classified in the kingdom of Fungi. They play fundamental roles in organic and inorganic transformations, element cycling, rock and mineral transformations, bioweathering, fungal-clay interactions, metal-fungal interactions, and mycogenic mineral formation. Their mycelia colonize both organic and mineral soils and produce active chemical compounds including enzymes and organic acids that help mobilize nutrients.

Objective

This review aims to analyze and update data on macro and trace elements and radionuclides in edible wild-grown and cultivated mushrooms. The study examines the bioaccumulation patterns, health benefits and potential risks associated with mineral constituents in mushrooms.

Results

The review found that mushrooms can efficiently accumulate certain mineral elements, with species-specific patterns. Essential elements like K (25-50 g/kg dm), P (3-15 g/kg dm), Cu (13-200 mg/kg dm) and Zn (60-240 mg/kg dm) were found in nutritionally relevant amounts. Some species showed high accumulation of potentially toxic elements like Cd (0.5-52 mg/kg dm) and Hg (0.02-22 mg/kg dm). Certain species were identified as hyperaccumulators of specific elements like V, As, and Ag.

Conclusion

Wild and cultivated mushrooms can be good dietary sources of essential minerals but may also accumulate toxic elements depending on species and environmental conditions. The mineral composition varies significantly between species and is influenced by substrate composition and environmental factors. Care should be taken regarding consumption of certain species from contaminated areas due to potential accumulation of toxic elements.
  • Published in:Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00253-012-4552-8
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