A study on mineral composition of Aronia melanocarpa as a functional food with potential therapeutic properties

In order to estimate the role of certain bioelements present in Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot, commonly known as black chokeberry, in human health, this study determined the content of essential macro- and microelements in berries, juice and in the dried pomace. In all the analysed samples, the element with the highest content was potassium (approximately 4 000 mg.kg(-1)), then calcium (approximately 1 200 mg.kg(-1)), magnesium (approximately 500 mg.kg(-1)), and the element with the smallest content was sodium (approximately 250 mg.kg(-1)). Thanks to the positive effect of these macroelements on the cardiovascular, locomotor and immune systems, consumption of black chokeberry berries and black chokeberry-based products can improve the overall health. The results of this study show that, with a daily consumption of 100 g berries, all daily body needs for certain microelements can be satisfied, for example for Cr, Mn, B and Sr. The determined contents of Fe, Cu and Zn in the analysed samples show that black chokeberry berries and various black chokeberry-based products (juice, flour and dry matter) are a good source of these microelements. The results of this study showed that organic Aronia melanocarpa berries can be used as a functional food with potential therapeutic properties.