Ethanol and Methanol Concentration in Commonly Used Brands of Ma-al-shaeer in Iran: Estimation of Dietary Intakes and Risk Assessment

OBJECTIVES: Ma-al-shaeer is a popular beverage in Islamic countries. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of methanol and ethanol in most consumed brands of Ma-al-shaeer in Iran. METHODS: Eighty-one Ma-al-shaeer samples which commonly used in Iran were provided. Methanol and ethanol contents were determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. RESULTS: The mean methanol concentrations in Iranian and foreign brands was 129.84±205.38 mg/L and 110.157±135.98 mg/L, respectively. Although mean ethanol contents of Iranian brands was 1.2±2.41 mg/L, ethanol level in foreign ones was lower than LOQ. CONCLUSION: Since the most Ma-al-shaeer brands had methanol pollution at different levels establishment of a definitive relationship between the methanol content and toxicological effects seem to be vital. EDI of methanol for Iranian people through consumption of Ma-al-shaeer was determined 0.023mg/kg bw/day.