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SEPTEMBER 2008

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Effect of Plant Cultivation Methods on Content of Major and Trace Elements in Foodstuffs and Retention in Rats

Mette Kristensen , Lars F Stergaard , Ulrich Halekoh , Henry Jørgensen , Charlotte Lauridsen , Kirsten Brandt , Susanne Bügel


http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121370817/abstract


Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark  The Danish Plant Directorate, Skovbrynet 20, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Aarhus, Research Centre Foulum, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, University of Aarhus, Research Centre Foulum, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Agriculture Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK

email: Susanne Bügel

*Correspondence to Susanne Bügel, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark

Funded by:
International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems (ICROFS), Tjele, Denmark

Keywords
elements * organic food production * conventional food production * retention of elements, rats

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many consumers perceive organic foods as more nutritious than conventional foods. However, the existing evidence is insufficient to support or refute this belief. The purpose of the
present study was to investigate the effect of three different model cultivation systems on selected major and trace element contents of dried foodstuffs (carrots, kale, peas, potatoes and apples) grown in two consecutive years, as well as mineral retention determined in 36 rats (second generation in a multi-generation study) fed diets based on these foodstuffs from one year. RESULTS: Overall, there was no evident trend towards differences in element content of foodstuffs or diets due to the use of different cultivation systems, and differences between harvest years exceeded those seen between cultivation methods. Also, no significant differences in the retention of elements in rats fed diets derived from different cultivation systems were seen, since higher intake resulted in correspondingly higher excretion. CONCLUSION: This study does not support the belief that organically grown foodstuffs generally contain more major and trace elements than conventionally grown foodstuffs, nor does there appear to be an effect on the bioavailability of major and trace minerals in rats.
Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
 
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