Macro and Essential Trace Elements in Apis cerana-indica Honey from Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

Quantification of macro and trace elements is of quite an interest to evaluate the nutritional level of honey and for characterizing the bee products in view of safety implications. The aim of present study was set to estimate the macro and essential trace elements of twenty four honeys from some localities of district Pauri, Garhwal Himalaya. Potassium and sodium concentrations were determined by using flame photometer and calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese were studied by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results revealed that potassium was most abundant macro element and in the trace elements, iron and zinc were found to be most common. Statistically analyzed samples were found significantly different (p less than 0.05). Copper showed high and positive correlation with Zinc (r=0.884) as compared to others, while indicated least and negative correlation with sodium which was r=-0.007.