Micronutrient and Metal Content of Dried Oysters in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Oysters are potentially a good nutrition source but have the risk of being contaminated with toxic environmental metals. Micronutrient and metal levels in oysters in Ghana are currently unknown. Our objectives were to determine the micronutrient status and metal content of oysters in Ghana. Methods A total of 10 dried oysters originating near the Densu River in Ghana were analyzed in bulk by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for 12 micronutrients and 5 metals, including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Results Micronutrient content (mean ± SD) of the oysters included Fe (40 ± 11 mg/100 g), Zn (158 ± 61 mg/100 g), Mg (531 ± 65 mg/100 g), Ca (203 ± 87 mg/100 g), P (881 ± 189 mg/100 g), K (255 ± 51 mg/100 g), Mn (5 ± 2 mg/100 g), Cr (0.28 ± 0.05 mg/100 g), Co (9 ± 3 mg/100 g), Ni (0.17 ± 0.04 mg/100 g), Cu (7 ± 2 mg/100 g) and Se (0.23 ± 0.03 mg/100 g). The metal content of the oysters included Cd (96 ± 26 µg/100 g), Pb (59 ± 11 µg/100 g), V (108 ± 32 µg/100 g), and As (446 ± 67 µg/100 g). Conclusions Dried oysters from Ghana are an excellent source of iron and zinc. These oysters were also contaminated with cadmium and lead. Our data supports that cadmium and lead levels may be a health concern for people in Ghana who consume dried oysters. This research supports further sampling on dried oysters in Ghana. Funding Sources University of Rhode Island start-up grant, awarded to Dr. Brietta M. Oaks.