The level of elements and antioxidant activity of commercial dietary supplement formulations based on edible mushrooms

Abstract

Commercial preparations of Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum and Coprinus comatus mushroom marketed as healthy food supplements in Serbia were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace (GFAAS) for their element content. Antioxidant activity potential and total phenolics of the same mushrooms were determined. The element content of mushroom samples was in the range of 0.130–0.360 mg kg⁻¹ for lead (Pb), <0.03–0.46 mg kg⁻¹ for arsenic (As), 0.09–0.39 mg kg⁻¹ for cadmium (Cd), 98.14–989.18 mg kg⁻¹ for iron (Fe), 0.10–101.32 mg kg⁻¹ for nickel (Ni), 5.06–26.50 mg kg⁻¹ for copper (Cu), 0.20–0.70 mg kg⁻¹ for cobalt (Co), 1.74–136.33 mg kg⁻¹ for chromium (Cr) and 2.19–21.54 mg kg⁻¹ for manganese (Mn). In the tests for measuring the antioxidant activity, the methanolic extract of C. sinensis showed the best properties. The same was seen for the analysis of selected phenolic compounds; C. sinensis was found to have the highest content. Commercial preparations of C. sinensis and C. comatus can be considered to be safe and suitable food supplements included in well-balanced diets.