Content and nutritional value of selected biogenic elements in monofloral sunflower bee-collected pollen from Serbia

Abstract

Pollen (floral or bee-collected) can be used as a good source of different nutrients including several important biogenic elements (minerals). The aim of this study was to determine content of selected biogenic elements (phosphorous, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc) in monofloral bee-collected pollen originated from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants grown in Serbia and to estimate its nutritional value regarding to elements content. In that purpose ICP-OES analytical method was applied. According to obtained results the examined pollen sample contains above mentioned elements in following quantities: P – 3523.98 mg/kg; K – 2869.13 mg/kg; S – 1951.74 mg/kg; Ca – 1919.20 mg/kg; Mg – 654.36 mg/kg; Fe –83.55 mg/kg; Zn – 45.92 mg/kg of dry weight. Based on recommended daily intakes for iron, phosphorus and zinc application of pollen, as food or food ingredient, will cover meaningful part of human needs for these three important elements.