Trace Elements in Gluten-free Pastas and Flours from Markets Located in the Las Vegas, Nevada Area

The popularity of gluten-free foods has been increasing across the United States and abroad. A significant reason for this trend involves marketing efforts targeted towards individuals seeking to avoid the consequences of celiac disease or a perceived gluten intolerance. Many gluten-free food products originate in regions of the world where irrigation with metal-contaminated waters is common. Calcium, Fe, Mg, Ti and Zn were detected at various levels across all foods products. Cadmium was detected in 96.8% of U.S. and 54.5% of Asian gluten-free foods with gluten containing foods above reported averages (216 µg kg−1 Cd); as was Co (140µg kg−1) in 48.4 % of U.S., 72.7% of Asian gluten-free foods, and 40% of the gluten containing foods; Cr was in 54.8% of the U.S., 72.5% of Asian gluten-free foods, and 100% of gluten containing food products; while Ca, Fe, Mg, Ti and Zn were greater than 10,000 µg kg−1 with Ba, Cd, Co, Mo, and Ni above reported averages. Finally, trace metals were more commonly detected in the gluten containing foods overall. It was found that trace elements were more commonly found in the gluten containing products; however, none of the higher than expected levels pose a significant health risk to consumers.