ABSTRACT: There is a lack of data on the actual composition and effectiveness of beetroot-based dietary supplements. The research aimed to determine the profile of 22 elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, As, Se, Zn, Cu, Ag, Co, Ni, Mo, Al, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ba, Li, Pb, Cd) in beetroot and its supplements by the microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) method. The analytical procedure was optimised and validated. The composition of both groups was compared, assessing compliance with the recommended daily doses for the chosen elements, and the health risk was estimated. Furthermore, chemometric analysis was applied. Beetroots constituted a significant source of elements, especially K, Na, Mg, Ca, P, in contrast to supplements which contained their negligible amounts except from iron-enriched products which provided notable amounts of Fe (38.3-88% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for an adult male from 19 to 75 years old). Some products were significantly contaminated with toxic elements (As, Cd). Factor and cluster analyses were helpful in the differentiation of beetroot and its supplements in view of their type (vegetable, supplement, iron-enriched supplement), origin, type of cultivation (conventional, organic), and form (capsule, tablet) based on their mineral composition. The obtained results indicate the need for more stringent control of supplements, as they may pose a significant health risk to consumers.
