Assessment of carbohydrates, minerals, and potentially toxic elements: risk evaluation in traditionally produced sugarcane jaggery

Jaggery, a traditional unrefined sugar widely consumed across India, serves as a source of natural carbohydrates and essential minerals. However, regional variations in production and environmental conditions may influence its nutritional composition and contaminant levels. The present study aimed to evaluate carbohydrate content, mineral composition, and potentially toxic elements in jaggery samples (n = 24; three replicates per district across eight major production districts of India). Carbohydrate fractions were determined using colorimetric and HPLC methods, while elemental composition was analyzed through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed high total sugar and sucrose contents, confirming jaggery as an energy-rich food. The samples also contained nutritionally relevant levels of calcium, iron, and potassium, with concentrations varying across regions. Trace amounts of Pb, Cd, and Ni were detected, but none exceeded the permissible limits set by international food safety standards. Although no immediate exceedance of limits was found, prolonged and continuous exposure could pose potential concern. The findings highlight the nutritional significance of traditional jaggery while emphasizing the need for continuous quality monitoring to ensure consumer safety.