Gluten-containing flours and gluten-free flours as a source of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.

Wheat flour is widely used in Poland for the preparation of bread, pasta and other foods. Due to the increasing number of people diagnosed with diet-related diseases, consumer awareness of health-promoting issues and interest in gluten-free products (GFP). There is a dynamic development of the market for these foods with high quality and nutritional value and minerals that benefit human health and prevent deficiencies in patients on a gluten-free diet. The aim of this study was to determine the content of minerals: Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn in flours using the ICP-OES method. The mineral composition of selected GF flours available on the Polish market was analysed. It was tested how they supplement the mineral requirements compared to gluten-containing flours. It was found that these products can be a valuable source of essential minerals, which are often in short supply, especially in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. As our study has shown, flours from the GFP group are a good source of essential minerals, especially in the case of chia and flax flours, as well as buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, lupin or almonds flours.