Minor and trace elements in human milk from Guatemala,Hungary, Nigeria,Philippines, Sweden,and Zaire

Concentrations of As, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Hg, I, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V, and Zn were determined in human whole milk samples from Guatemala, Hungary, Nigeria, Philippines, Sweden, and Zaire; in most of these countries, three groups of subjects representing different socioeconomic conditions were studied. Analytical quality control was a primary consideration throughout. The analytical techniques used were atomic absorption spectrophotometry, atomic emission spectrometry with an inductively coupled plasma, colorimetry, electrochemistry, using an ion-selective electrode and neutron activation analysis. The differences between median concentrations of Ca, Cl, Mg, K, Na, and P (minor elements) were lower than 20% among the six countries. Among trace elements, concentrations observed in Filipino milk for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and V were higher than for milk samples from other countries. The remaining five countries showed a mixed picture of high and low values. In the case of at least some elements, such as, F, I, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Se, the environment appears to play a major role in determining their concentrations in human milk. The nutritional status of the mother, as reflected by her socioeconomic status, does not appear to influence significantly the breast milk concentrations of minor and trace elements. Significant differences exist between the actual daily intakes observed in this study and current dietary recommendations made by, for example, WHO and the US National Academy of Sciences. These differences are particularly large (an order of magnitude or more!) for Cr, F, Fe, Mn, and Mo; for other elements, such as, Ca, Cu, Mg, P, and Zn, they amount to at least a factor 2. In the opinion of the present authors, these findings point to the need for a possible reassessment of the dietary requirements of young infants with respect to minor and trace elements, particularly for the elements Ca, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, and Zn.     

Regional distribution of potassium,calcium, and six trace elements in normal human brain

Eight elements (i.e. K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Rb) were measured in 50 different regions of 12 normal human brains by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The dry weight concentrations of K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Rb were consistently higher for gray than for white matter areas. The K, Zn and Se concentrations for the regions of mixed composition and, to some extent, also the Rb concentrations, were intermediate between the gray and white matter values, and they tended to decrease with decreasing neuron density. The mean dry weight concentrations of K, Ca, Zn, Se, and Rb in the various brain regions were highly correlated with the mean wet-to-dry weight ratios of these regions. For Mn, Fe, and Cu, however, such a correlation was not observed, and these elements exhibited elevated levels in several structures of the basal ganglia. For K, Fe, and Se the concentrations seemed to change with age. A hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the structures clustered into two large groups, one comprising gray and mixed matter regions, the other white and mixed matter areas. Brain structures involved in the same physiological function or morphologically similar regions often conglomerated in a single subcluster.     

Application of PIXE analysis to the study of the regional distribution of trace elements in normal human brain

A particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis method is presented, which allows measurement of eight elements (i.e., K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Rb) in human brain samples of only a few mg dry weight. The precision and accuracy of the method were investigated by analyzing animal brain matter with both PIXE and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The method was applied to measure the 8 elements in 46 different regions of 3 human brains. The sections analyzed originated from either the left or the right cerebral hemisphere, brain stem, and cerebellum. For one of the brains, sections were also analyzed from 26 corresponding regions of both hemispheres. For all elements, similar concentrations were found in the corresponding areas of the left and right sides of the brain. The concentrations (in μg/g dry weight) of the elements K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, and Rb were consistently higher in cortical structures than in white matter. Deep nuclei and brain stem, which have a mixed composition, showed intermediate values for K, Zn, Se, and Rb. A hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the various brain regions clustered into two large groups, one comprising gray and mixed matter regions and the other, white and mixed matter brain areas.     

Trace Elements in Fingernails of Healthy Chinese Centenarians

Trace element concentrations in body tissues of healthy centenarians have not been widely analyzed, yet they can be used as reference data leading to improved assessment of the aging process and monitoring of the micronutrient status of this age group. The present study sought to assess trace element concentrations and behaviors in the fingernails of healthy Chinese centenarians. The effects of gender on element concentrations, which also play an important role in determining the lifespan, were also investigated. Trace elements (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in the fingernails of 78 healthy Chinese centenarians were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The overall reference values obtained in milligram per kilogram are as follows: Ba, 5.10; Cd, 0.031; Co, 0.101; Cr, 0.82; Cu, 3.71; Fe, 154.35; Li, 0.31; Mn, 3.09; Mo, 0.040; Ni, 0.95; Pb, 1.86; Se, 0.44; Sr, 6.20; and Zn, 147.96. Data analysis showed that only Cr and Se concentrations show a normal distribution, and no significant difference between male and female groups was found for any element except Cr. Result also revealed that sufficient Se, Co, and Zn as well as lower or lack of exposure to Cr contribute positively to the lifespan of centenarians. The results suggest that regulating in vivo contents of trace elements, especially Se, Co, and Zn, is reasonable to intervene with geriatric diseases.     

Assessment of reference values for hair minerals of Korean preschool children

Hair samples of 655 children (3–6 yr of age) from metropolitan and small cities in Korea were analyzed to determine the content of 23 minor and trace elements with the aim of assessing reference values. Fifteen essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Mn, P, Na, K, Cr, Se, Li, V, Co, Mo) and 8 harmful elements (Pb, Al, Hg, As, Cd, Ba, Bi, U) were taken into account. Measurements were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The overall mean values were as follows (μ/g): Al, 8.78; As, 0.11; Ba, 0.32; Bi, 0.04; Ca, 212.47; Cd, 0.08; Co, 0.01; Cr, 0.47; Cu, 15.51; Fe, 12.62; Hg, 0.49; K, 34.10; Li, 0.01; Mg, 12.29; Mn, 0.29; Mo, 0.07; Na; 27.14; P, 121.21; Pb, 1.68; Se, 0.75; U. 0.04; V. 0.08; Zn, 69.99. There was no significant difference in hair mineral content between children living in metropolitan and small cities. There were positive correlations between age and the level of Zn, Ca, Na, P, Mn, and Li, but negative correlations between age and the level of Cr, V, and U. The proposed reference values for hair Zn, Mg, Ca, As, and Cd of Korean children were lower than those of other countries, but the values for other elements of hair were not significantly different from those of other countries.     

Age-related effects of major and trace element concentrations in rat liver and their mutual relationships

The concentrations of 22 major and trace elements in livers from rats aging from 5 to 113 weeks old were determined. The rats investigated were the same rats previously reported with respect to 29 elements in bones (femur) and 26 elements in kidneys. The samples were decomposed with high-purity nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Seven elements (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Fe and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and 15 elements (Mn, Co, Cu, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Pb and Bi) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for age variations indicated that the concentrations of many elements, such as Mg, P, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo and Cd, were almost constant across the ages of the rats with the exception of 5 weeks old (p > 0.05). Arsenic, Pb and Bi showed significant increasing trends, while Na and Co showed decreasing trends (p < 0.01). Selenium showed a decreasing trend except at the initial stage of 5–9 weeks old. Calcium, Rb, Sn, Sb, Cs and Ba showed significant age-related variations, but their patterns were not monotonic. The liver clearly contrasts with the kidneys, in which many elements showed significant age-related variations with increasing trends. The concentration ranges of Mg, P, K, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Mo were controlled within 15% across all ages of rats. The homeostasis of the aforementioned elements may be well established in the liver. The toxic elements, such as Cd, Pb and Bi, showed a narrow concentration range among age-matched rats.     

Interactions between toxic (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) and nutritional essential (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Zn) elements in the tissues of cattle from NW Spain

Since the toxicity of one metal or metalloid can be dramatically modulated by the interaction with other toxic or essential metals, studies addressing the chemical interactions between trace elements are increasingly important. In this study correlations between the main toxic (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) and nutritional essential (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Zn) elements were evaluated in the tissues (liver, kidney and muscle) of 120 cattle from NW Spain, using Spearman rank correlation analysis based on analytical data obtained by ICP-AES. Although accumulation of toxic elements in cattle in this study is very low and trace essential metals are generally within the adequate ranges, there were significant associations between toxic and essential metals. Cd was positively correlated with most of the essential metals in the kidney, and with Ca, Co and Zn in the liver. Pb was significantly correlated with Co and Cu in the liver. A large number of significant associations between essential metals were found in the different tissues, these correlations being very strong between Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn in the kidney. Co was moderately correlated with most of the essential metals in the liver. In general, interactions between trace elements in this study were similar to those found in polluted areas or in experimental studies in animals receiving diets containing high levels of toxic metals or inadequate levels of nutritional essential elements. These interactions probably indicate that mineral balance in the body is regulated by important homeostatic mechanisms in which toxic elements compete with the essential metals, even at low levels of metal exposure. The knowledge of these correlations may be essential to understand the kinetic interactions of metals and their implications in the trace metal metabolism.     

珍稀濒危植物矮牡丹体内矿质元素的研究

采用原子吸收分光光度法测定了矮牡丹体内的10种矿质元素,即K、Mg、Mn、Fe、Ni、Zn、Cu、Cd、Cr、Pb。分析了矿质元素在矮牡丹体内的分布规律及矮牡丹对各种元素的富集能力。结果表明:在不同器官中的矿质元素含量有显著差异, K、Mg、Mn、Ni、Cd、Cr、Pb以叶中为高, Fe、Zn、Cu分别以根、茎、叶柄中含量最高;大多数元素在叶柄中含量最低。矮牡丹对K、Mg、Mn、Fe、Zn有较强的吸收富集能力,一般叶的富集系数较其它器官为高。元素间相关分析表明:Zn、Cd、Cr、Pb、Mn、Fe、Ni、Cu之间有显著的相关性, K、Mg之间的相关性显著。此外,土壤与植物体内元素含量表现出显著的相关性。     

Determination of trace elements in porcine brain by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry,electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry,and instrumental neutron activation analysis

Methods have been developed for the analyses of trace metals in various areas of porcine brains, (temporal, parietal, frontal cortex, both right and left hemispheres). Determinations were carried out using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The elements investigated were Li, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb by ICP-MS and Cu, Cd, and Mn by ETAAS. For determination by ICP-MS, a method of standard additions calibration coupled with internal standards was used, and for ETAAS, standard additions calibrations were prepared. The accuracy of all methods was determined using NIST and IAEA certified reference material. A small number of pig brains were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis for Cr, Co, Cs, Fe, Rb, Se, Sc, Sb, and Zn using the comparator method of analysis. Four separate NIST standard reference materials have been used to examine the validity of the comparator method.     

四种金花茶组植物叶片金属元素含量及富集特性研究

以四种金花茶组植物为研究对象,采用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光法,测定其嫩叶、老叶及对应土壤中Mg、Ca、Mn、Fe、Zn、Ni、Se、Pb、Cd、Hg、As共11种元素的含量,并分别计算嫩叶和老叶对土壤金属元素的富集系数.结果表明:(1)4种金花茶组植物叶片富含Mg、Ga、Mn、Fe、Zn、Ni等营养元素,各元素在叶片中含量为Ca>Mg>Mn>Fe>Zn>Ni>Se;Pb、Cd、As、Hg等重金属元素含量较低,均达到无公害茶叶标准.(2)老叶和嫩叶中各金属元素含量差异较大,老叶中的Ca、Mn、Fe、Zn、Pb、Cd、Hg、As、Se元素含量均大于嫩叶,尤以Ca、Mn、Fe差异显著;嫩叶中的Mg和Ni含量大于老叶.(3)金花茶组植物对不同金属元素的富集能力不同,对各元素富集能力强弱为Ca、Mn、Mg>Zn、Ni、Hg>Pb、Se>Fe、As,老叶和嫩叶的富集规律存在差异.(4)不同金花茶组植物对金属元素的富集能力有较大差异,龙州金花茶(Camellia longzhouensis)和黄花抱茎茶(C.murauchii)对Mg、Ca、Mn、Zn、Ni、Se、Pb的富集能力均大于金花茶(C.nitidissima)和毛籽金花茶(C.ptilosperma).其中,龙州金花茶对Mg、Mn、Se的富集能力最强,黄花抱茎茶对Ca、Pb、Hg富集能力最强,金花茶对Hg的富集能力较强,对其它元素的富集能力均较弱;毛籽金花茶对Ca、Mn、Ni、Zn的富集能力均最弱.该研究结果为金花茶组植物的进一步开发和利用提供了理论依据.     

东北中部地区主要粮食中矿质元素背景值的研究

农作物是陆生食物链的重要环节,与人类的关系十分密切。粮食中某些元素的丰欠,往往影响人及动物的健康,甚至引起一定类型的疾病(地方病或公害病)。粮食的元素背景值,是评价农产品质量优劣、判断其是否受到污染以及评价污染程度的重要依据;也是评定区域环境质量、预测环境发展趋势、制定环境标准的基础资料;对某些地方性疾病病因和防病措施的研究亦有重要的参考价值。 植物体内的各种元素,尤其是大多数金属元素主要来源于土壤。土壤中或多或少都含有各种元素,但其含量是否适合某种作物的需要,其一决定于土壤中该元素含量的多寡,其二则决定于土壤的类型、性质和利用方式,决定于土壤中该元素可转换为植物利用状态的比率。加之众所周知的植物选择吸收作用的制约,所以,农作物元素含量既与土壤有关,受控于土壤类型和性质,又不是土壤元素含量的机械重复。与农业利用方式、耕作措施(包括耕耘、施肥等)、作物品种、以至其它环境要素(如水、大气等)的质量都有密切关系。因而,不同地区各种作物的元素含量存在一定差异,粮食元素背景值也只能是一个相对的概念。本文是指相对于我国东北中部地区自然环境和当今农业生产力水平情况下,粮食中某些矿质元素的含量水平。     

Correlations of Trace Element Levels in the Diet,Blood, Urine,and Feces in the Chinese Male

In order to explore the associations between trace elements in dietary intake and the other three biological media (blood, urine, or feces) and inter-element interactions among the latter, we simultaneously collected 72-h diet duplicates, whole blood, and 72-h urine and feces from 120 free-living healthy males in China. Correlations among the toxic (cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb]), and nutritionally essential (zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], selenium [Se], iodine [I]) elements were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation analysis based on analytical data determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Dietary Cd intakes were highly correlated with the fecal Cd and blood Cd levels. Inverse correlations were found for Fe–Cd and Fe–Pb in both diet versus blood and diet versus feces. Cd–Zn and Cd–Se were significantly directly correlated in the urine and feces. Cd–Se and Pb–Se were negatively correlated in blood. In addition, there existed an extremely significant association between urinary Se and urinary I. Moreover, the other two highly direct correlations were found for Se–Fe and for I–Fe in urine. Improved knowledge regarding their mutual associations is considered to be of fundamental importance to understand more the complex interrelationships in trace element metabolism.     

Accumulation of metals and metalloids in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) irrigated with domestic wastewater in the peri-urban areas of Khushab City,Pakistan

Accumulation of different metals and metalloids was assessed in two vegetables radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) irrigated with domestic wastewater in the peri-urban areas of Khushab City, Pakistan. In general, the metal and metalloid concentrations in radish and spinach were higher at site-II treated with sewage water than those found at site-I treated with canal water. In case of radish at both sites the levels of metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, and Pb) were below the permissible level except those of Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, and Pb. At both sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.047–228.3 mg kg^?1 with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The metal pollution index in soil was in the following order: As > Fe > Ni > Zn > Cd > Mo > Se > Co > Pb > Mn > Cr > Cu, respectively. While in case of spinach at both sites, the concentrations of metals and metalloids in vegetable samples irrigated with canal and sewage water were observed below the permissible level except Mn, Ni, Zn, Mo, and Pb. At both sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.038–245.4 mg kg^?1 with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The metal pollution index in soil was in the following order: Cd > Ni > Co > Se > Mn > Zn > Mo > Pb > Fe > Cr > As > Cu, respectively.     

Assessment of reference values for elements in human hair of urban schoolboys

Hair samples of youngsters (3–15 years of age) from several urban areas of Rome were analyzed to determine the content of 19 minor and trace elements with the aim of assessing Reference Values (RVs). Thirteen essential elements were taken into account, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Se, V and Zn. On the other hand, Al, As, Cd, Pb, Sr and Ti were also evaluated on the basis of their potential toxicity. Procedures were developed for the collection, storage and pre-analytical treatment of samples. Measurements were performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Subgroups were formed according to age and sex. Significant differences were found for certain elements depending on age and sex. This was the case, e.g., for Ca which showed a mean value of 336 mg/kg for males and of 537 mg/kg for females. The sex-dependent pattern for this element was also apparent when the three age subgroups of 3–6, 7–10 and 11–15 years were compared. The overall RVs obtained (mg/kg) are as follows Al, 10.2; As, 0.09; Ca, 450; Cd, 0.23; Co, 0.67; Cr, 0.99; Cu, 22.1; Fe, 19.0; Mg, 28.0; Mn, 0.35; Mo, 0.43; Ni, 1.49; P, 195; Pb, 7.11; Se, 0.77; Sr, 1.20; Ti, 0.79; V, 1.22; and Zn 150.     

Reference values for trace and ultratrace elements in human serum determined by double-focusing ICP-MS

Reference values for trace and ultratrace elements concentrations in healthy human serum, measured by double-focusing inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are presented. Blood donors from Asturias (Spain) were selected as the reference population (n=59). Blood samples were collected, after donation, taking the necessary precautions to avoid contamination. All subjects analyzed had normal renal function and nutritional status, as shown from their creatinine and albumin levels. A total number of 14 elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Pb, and U) were monitored almost simultaneously. Serum samples were diluted 1+4 with ultrapure water and matrix interferences were corrected using Sc, Ga, Y, and Tl as internal standards. Fe, Cu, and Zn were also determined by isotope dilution analysis (IDA). Reference trace element concentrations intervals observed containing 95% of the reference distribution after excluding outliers are presented. Fourteen serum samples from hemodialysis patients were also analyzed for comparison. High levels of Al, Cr, Sr, Mo, Mn, Pb, U, Co, and Cu and low levels of Fe, Zn, and Rb were found in the serum samples from hemodialysis patients compared to the corresponding reference values observed in this work.     

Heavy metals in water,sediments, fish and plants of river Hindon,U.P., India

We analysed the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the water, sediments, fish and plants of the River Hindon, U.P., India, at seven sampling stations, in the year 1982. Considerable variation in concentration between water, sediments, fish and plants were noted. The concentration in the water was in the order Fe > Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, in the sediments, Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > - Co > Cu > Pb > Cd; in a fish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cu > Cd > Cr, and in a plant (Eicchornia crassipes) Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > Cd.     

Relevance, essentiality and toxicity of trace elements in human health

The metals Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn, and the non-metal Se are considered "trace elements" (TE) because of their essentiality and very limited quantity in humans. The biological activities of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Se are strongly associated with the presence of unpaired electrons that allow their participation in redox reactions. In biological systems these metals are mostly bound to proteins, forming metalloproteins. Many of the metals in metalloproteins are part of enzymatic systems, have structural and storage functions, or use the protein to be transported to their target site in the organism. In humans Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se accomplish decisive functions to maintain human health. Deficiency in any of these TE leads to undesirable pathological conditions that can be prevented or reversed by adequate supplementation. In sufficiently nourished persons, supplementation should be carefully controlled, given the toxic effects ascribed to TE when present in quantities exceeding those required for accomplishing their biological functions. The dietary reference intakes provided by national regulatory agencies are guides to define intake, supplementation and toxicity of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se, as well other elements considered micronutrients for humans.     

人工饲养与野生川金丝猴体毛10种微量元素的含量及比较

测定了秦岭人工饲养(10只)和野生(14只)川金丝猴体毛中的10种微量元素含量。锌、铁、铜、钙、镁5种元素采用火焰原子吸收法;锰、铬、铅采用石墨炉原子吸收法;铝采用等离子光谱;硒经硝解后采用原子吸收法测定。结果表明,铬、锰、镁、铅、锌和硒的含量,人工猴极显著或显著高于野生猴;铁含量,人工猴极显著低于野生猴;钙、铜和铝的含量,人工猴与野生猴无显著差异。以人类毛发10种微量元素的正常范围为参照,人工猴铅、铬、锰与锌4种含量均显著超出正常范围的上限,属于严重超量。这可能与金丝猴饲养过程中添加营养制剂有关。     

广西马尾松人工林对重金属元素的吸收、累积及动态

探讨了广西马尾松人工林对重金属Cu、Zn、Mn、Pb、Ni、cd元素的吸收、累积及动态。结果表明:马尾松林地土壤层(0~60 cm)中重金属元素Cu、Zn、Mn、Pd、Ni、Cd的平均含量,分别为23.02,24.46,235.46,5.93.8.45和0.14 mg·kg-1,储量大小依次为Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd。马尾松林不同组分中,重金属元素的含量范围分别为Cu 2.97-13.47,Zn 12.09-42.93,Mn 143.14-751.78,Pd 2.87-25.12,Ni 0.19-25.05和Cd 0.16~1.24 mg·kg-1,对土壤6种重金属元素富集能力的大小依次为Cd>Mn>Pb>Zn>Ni>Cu。马尾松林中,重金属元素的总储量为39.791kg·hm-2,其中Mn、Zn、Pb、Cu、Cd、Ni元素的储量分别为34.047,3.351,1.226,0.874,0.245,0.084 kg·hm-2,各组分中重金属元素储量的空间分布为干>皮>根>叶>枝。Cu、Zn、Mn、Pd、Ni、Cd的周转期分别为13.9、7.0、3.1、20.4、2.1、12 a,流动系数为Ni>Mn>Zn>Cd>Cu>Pb。     

Multielement proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of betel leaves,betel nuts,and lime

Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method was employed to study the concentration of heavy elements in betel leaves, betel nuts, and mineral lime consumed in Bangladesh. The samples were collected from different parts of Bangladesh and analyzed by the thicktarget external beam technique of the PIXE method. The samples were exposed to the proton beam as 1-mm thick pellets and irradiated with 2.0-MeV protons having 20-nA beam intensity. The concentration of some 15 elements (K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, and Pb) was measured by comparison with a calibration curve constructed from the NBS orchard leaf standard SRM 1571. The validity of the procedure has been established by comparative measurements of Cu and Zn with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The significance of the results is discussed in view of their implications in health and disease.