Nutrient Interaction and Health Risk Assessment of Cereal Grains on Nigerian’s Markets

Background: Cereals are the most staple foods in human diet and the main components of the daily diet. This work was designed to determine the level of essential and non-essential elements, the in vitro bioavailability, interrelationship, and associated health risk in consumed cereal grains in Nigeria to assess their safety and wholesomeness. Methods: The contents of phytate, oxalate, and some major-, trace- and potentially toxic elements were determined in 36 samples of barley, maize, millet, rice, sorghum, and wheat marketed in Nigeria. Results: The data showed variable significant (p 0.05) levels of elements, phytate, and oxalate in the cereals but they were below European commission maximum permissible limits. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of elements in the cereals were all below maximum permissible limits set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values, though higher in children than adults, were less than one except in wheat and sorghum. The incremental lifetime Cancer Risk (CR) and Total Cancer Risk (TCR) values were below the threshold limit. Conclusion: This study revealed that barley, maize, millet, rice, sorghum, and wheat available in Nigeria markets contain varying quantities of essential elements, potentially toxic elements, and antinutrients.