Clinical Pharmacist and Master’s student in Clinical Pharmacy with research interests in pharmacovigilance, behavioral interventions in mental health, and AI applications in clinical decision support. Experience includes digital health research with Bloomsbury Health (London) and pharmacovigilance practice in patient support programs. Published work covers drug awareness among healthcare providers, postpartum depression management, and patient safety reporting. What was studied?
This original research article conducted a detailed nutritional and physicochemical analysis of heavy metal content in commercial and fresh natural apple juices available in Pakistan. The primary focus was on comparing the mineral and organic content, including heavy metals and essential nutrients, in these juice types. The study systematically evaluated concentrations of key trace elements such as manganese, chromium, iron, zinc, copper, nickel, and calcium, alongside measurements of vitamin C, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), crude fat, protein, crude fiber, moisture, and ash content. Using standardized analytical methods, notably atomic absorption spectrophotometry and flame photometry, the researchers sought to determine whether fresh natural apple juices offer superior nutritional and mineral profiles compared to their commercial counterparts, with direct implications for consumer health and food safety.
Who was studied?
The study analyzed two categories of apple juice samples sourced in Pakistan. For commercial apple juices, popular brands such as Pure Heaven, Lacnor, Mezan, Slice, Nestle, Country, Nurpur, Frozty, Maza, and Elixir were selected. For natural apple juices, a range of apple varieties, including Carrot apple Quetta, Barottein Swat, Golden apple Quetta, Swat apple, Kabul apple, Amri, Bluish golden, Bonza, Discovery, and Elastar were freshly juiced and analyzed. The samples were procured both from local markets and street vendors. No human or animal subjects were involved; rather, the research focused on chemical and nutritional assays of the juice samples themselves, representing products available to the Pakistani consumer.
Most important findings
| Critical Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Heavy Metal and Mineral Content | Fresh natural apple juices had higher levels of manganese (0.55 ppm), chromium (1.62 ppm), iron (1.65 ppm), zinc (0.56 ppm), and copper (0.66 ppm) than commercial juices. Nickel (0.02 ppm) was lower in fresh juice versus commercial (0.04 ppm), while calcium was higher in commercial juices (2.98 ppm vs. 2.26 ppm in fresh juice). |
| Nutritional Profile | Fresh juices had higher vitamin C (1.88 mg/100 mL vs. 0.76 mg/100 mL), carbohydrates (NFE, 8.02% vs. 2.74%), TSS (8.38°Brix vs. 8.22°Brix), ash (0.05% vs. 0.02%), crude fat (0.07% vs. 0.06%), crude protein (0.08% vs. 0.06%), and crude fiber (0.08% vs. 0%) compared to commercial juices. Moisture content was higher in commercial juices (97.02% vs. 91.65%). |
| Acidity and pH | Fresh juices had a higher average pH (3.56) than commercial ones (3.01), while commercial juices showed slightly higher titratable acidity (0.22% vs. 0.18%). |
| Regulatory Relevance | Levels of trace elements in both juice types were within internationally recognized safe consumption limits. Processing, clarification, and pasteurization in commercial production likely contribute to reduced mineral and vitamin content. |
Key implications
For the Heavy Metal Tested and Certified (HTMC) program, this study demonstrates that while both commercial and natural apple juices in Pakistan remain within safe limits for heavy metals, fresh juices consistently provide higher levels of essential minerals and nutrients. Monitoring processing effects and regularly testing commercial products are crucial to uphold nutritional standards and consumer safety.
Citation
Mehboob Z, Ali A, Azmat F, Zaffar M, Anwar S, Sarwar MF, Asif H. Nutritional and physio chemical analysis of commercial apple juices and natural apple juices available in Pakistan. J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2023;30(18):1845-1855. doi:10.53555/jptcp.v30i18.3370
Heavy metals are high-density elements that accumulate in the body and environment, disrupting biological processes. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium are of greatest concern due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and health risks, making them central to the HMTC program’s safety standards.
Nickel is a widely used transition metal found in alloys, batteries, and consumer products that also contaminates food and water. High exposure is linked to allergic contact dermatitis, organ toxicity, and developmental effects, with children often exceeding EFSA’s tolerable daily intake of 3 μg/kg bw. Emerging evidence shows nickel crosses the placenta, elevating risks of preterm birth and congenital heart defects, underscoring HMTC’s stricter limits to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Heavy metals are high-density elements that accumulate in the body and environment, disrupting biological processes. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, nickel, tin, aluminum, and chromium are of greatest concern due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and health risks, making them central to the HMTC program’s safety standards.
