Cadmium in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and its provisional tolerable monthly intake in consumers from Metropolitan Lima, Peru

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the concentration of cadmium in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and its relationship with the provisional tolerable monthly intake in consumers in the districts of Metropolitan Lima, Peru. Methodology: The study was conducted using a non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative design, with a sample of 392 participants. A food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate the consumption of foods prepared with potatoes. Samples of Yungay, Canchan, Huayro, Amarilla and Peruanita potato varieties, purchased in the Lima wholesale market, were selected. These samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry for cadmium content with a graphite oven. Results: Monthly potato consumption was 5.44 kg per capita, with a cadmium content of 3.9 ± 0.8µg/ kg of potato. The monthly cadmium intake through potatoes represented 0.33 µg/kg body weight equivalent to 1.33% of the tolerable monthly intake of 25 µg/kg body weight. Conclusion: Potato consumption in the districts of Metropolitan Lima, did not represent a significant contribution to the tolerable monthly intake of cadmium for human health.