Abstract

Hen eggs are an important part of diet for its nutrient value as well as the different possibilities of preparation and often represent the main source of animal protein. The aim of this study was to determine the content of essential and toxic metals in egg albumen and egg yolk produced from home-grown hen and farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The content of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, lead and cadmium in hen eggs was determined by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Results showed that among the examined essential metals, calcium occurred at the highest concentrations, especially in the hen egg yolks.The most significant difference in concentrations was obtained for iron in hen egg albumens at different sampling sites.Minimum difference in concentrations of examined metals among the farm and home-grown samples was obtained for manganese. Obtained results have been compared with the content of heavy metals in hen eggs from different countries. In addition, the acceptable daily intakes of Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn were calculated. The highest (Zn) and the lowest (Cd) average daily intake from consuming of 100 g egg/day were obtained for home-grown hen eggs. Average daily intake of Fe and Cd from consuming of 100 g egg/day from farm hen eggs had the highest and the lowest value, respectively. Eggs are a notable essential elements source and the consumption of eggs does not necessarily mean a considerable contribution of toxic metals.

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