Evaluation of macro and trace elements content of wild edible Iranian plants and their contribution to dietary reference intakes

Recently, wild edible plants (WEPs) have been recognized as a significant source of macro and trace elements acquisition for the human health, leading to increased interest in WEPs consumption. Macro (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) composition and their contribution towards recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 19 Iranian WEP were determined. According to the results, the highest content of Ca, K, and Mg was 4520.48, 7830.31, and 770.02 mg (100 g)⁻¹ DW in species of Tragopogon collinus D.C., Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss., and Smyrniumcordifolium Boiss., respectively, indicating these plants are good nutritional sources of the above macro elements. Among the trace elements, the highest content was related to Fe (16.07 mg (100 g)⁻¹ DW) in Taraxacumvulgar Hodn. Mzt., and the lowest content was found for Co (0.03 mg (100 g)⁻¹ DW) in Anchusa italica Retz., Falcaria vulgaris Bernh., and Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. For Ca, Tragopogon collinus D.C. and Trifolium pratense L. leave providing about 94 % and 85 % of the RDA, respectively, while for K, bulbs of Allium hirtifolium Boiss. and aerial parts of Fumaria parviflora Lam. contributed 42 % and 39 % of the RDA, respectively. The estimated daily intake of trace elements for both adults and children with WEPs consumption was lower than the oral reference dose limit. For both adults and children, the health risk index (HRI) of trace elements from the use of WEPs was in decreasing order of Co > Cd > Fe > Cu > Mn > Ni > Zn. All trace element HRI values were less than 0.65 except for Co, showing that trace element exposure by most WEPs intake was usually considered safe if consumed in reasonable amounts. Assessment by cluster analysis showed three clusters of macro and trace elements and a strong distinction between different WEPs. It seems that these WEPs can be a major contribution to the consumption of nutrients for consumers and serve as inexpensive food sources.