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In recent years in Poland we may observe a considerable development of organic vegetable production. Increased interest in organic products results from an opinion of the consumers on their high quality and health safety. However, results of research comparing nutritive value and contents of biologically active compounds in vegetables from organic and conventional farms are ambiguous. Most studies confirm higher contents of certain vitamins and antioxidants in organic vegetables, as well as their lower contents of nitrates and pesticide residue in comparison to vegetables grown in the conventional manner. There are also reports which did not confirm such differences or showed opposite trends. Research results at present do not make it possible to formulate a general conclusion on a higher health-promoting value of organic vegetables in comparison to those grown by conventional farming methods. It is necessary to continue research in order to explain the effect of organic raw materials on human health in a more comprehensive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This paper constitutes a supplementary study of the research conducted to assess accumulation efficiency of selected trace elements by Xerocomus badius fruiting bodies picked in some regions of Poland in selected years. Material and methods. Atomic absorption/emission spectrometry techniques (FAAS and AES) were applied to determine in the fruiting bodies of this mushroom species the total contents of Ca, K, Mg and Na, as well as Al as a metal capable of entering into easy interactions with nutritional elements and inhibiting their proper action in the human organism. Results. The highest concentrations of Al, K and Mg were determined in mushroom fruiting bodies collected in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship, amounting to 28.08 ±5.81 mg·kg-1 d.w., 2.39 ±0.21 g·kg-1 d.w. and 372.31 ±90.55 mg·kg-1 d.w., respectively. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of Ca (78.08 ±24.64 mg·kg-1 d.w.) were recorded in mushrooms from the Lódz Voivodeship, while the highest concentrations of Na (77.03 ±20.46 mg·kg-1 d.w.) - in those from the Pomeranian Voivodeship were observed. In general, BCF > 1 was found only for K accumulation. Conclusion. Concentrations of nutritional elements determined in this study revealed that the consumption of X. badius fruiting bodies supplied only small quantities of these constituents in comparison with the amounts consumed in other products. The detected Al concentrations showed that fruiting bodies of this mushroom species consumed in Poland during the past 20 years could not lead to health problems caused by the presence of this metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. As regards a significant intake of wild growing edible mushrooms, especially in East and Central Europe, concentrations of toxic elements should be periodically analysed. The aim of the study was to assess changes in concentrations of selected trace elements (Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) in a mushroom species, Xerocomus badius. Material and methods. Xerocomus badius fruiting bodies were collected from five regions of Poland within the last 20 years (selected years when these mushrooms were growing). Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used for determination of 10 elements while for Hg cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) was used. Results. Generally the results show no significant differences in the accumulation efficiency of individual elements by mushrooms collected from different regions of Poland, but significant differences were observed in the accumulation efficiency of these elements by mushrooms collected in particular years of their harvest. The highest accumulation indicated by bioconcentration factors (BCFs) was observed for Cu (10.03), Hg (148.15) and Zn (4.88). Conclusion. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn in the tested mushrooms were found to be lower than the values of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), therefore the levels of these elements are not toxic for people. In our opinion, occasional consumption of these mushroom fruiting bodies within the last 20 years in Poland did not provide significant amounts of analysed trace elements (no more than other foods). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]