Simplified Method of Multi-Elemental Analysis of Dialyzable Fraction of Tea Infusions by FAAS and ICP OES

A fast and straightforward sample preparation procedure of the dialyzable fraction of infusions of teas prior to their analysis on Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn contents by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was developed and validated. The proposed methodology was based on acidification with HNO(3) only and demonstrated good analytical performance, i.e., precision (0.80–5.0%), accuracy (< 5%), recoveries of elements (97.4–105%), and their detection limits (0.075–1.1 μg L(−1)) along with linearity of calibration curves in the whole studied concentration ranges. Applicability of the evaluated procedure, being a useful alternative to time-consuming wet digestions, was tested by determining bioaccessibility of elements in 20 infusions of black (BT) and green (GT) teas as assessed with the aid of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Average contributions of bioaccessible fractions (%) of studied metals were as follows: 1.18 (Al)–40.7% (Ca) and 4.65% (Al)–46.3% (Ca) for BTs and GTs, respectively. Drinking daily four cups (1 L) of tea, recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Zn were covered to a small degree (< 1.5%). Only bioaccessibility of Mn highly contributed to RDI for this metal. According to provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) for toxic elements such as Al and Ni, consumption of both types of teas should not represent any health risk. Additionally, analysis of variance of results clearly indicated that BTs and GTs were mostly differentiated due to concentrations of the bioaccessible fraction of Al, Ba, Cu, and Ni.