Bulgur and rice tested for toxic elements in Turkish homes
What it found
Bulgur had lower levels of unwanted metals than rice, and the estimated health risks from eating bulgur stayed below concern thresholds.
The measurements came from samples collected in 50 households in Izmir, Turkey.
What they found
Studies in people
Cadmium, cobalt and lead in rice
When compared with published standards, cadmium, cobalt and lead in rice might be a concern. Computer estimates suggested about 10 percent, 24 percent and 12 percent of people could exceed risk thresholds for these three metals from rice.
Lower risks from bulgur
Health risks linked to taking in metals through bulgur were lower than those from rice. The estimated risks for bulgur stayed below the threshold or acceptable risk levels.
Other findings
Metals measured in both foods
Both rice and bulgur contained cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, lead, strontium and zinc. The amounts were recorded in micrograms per gram.
Portion sizes used
The computer models assumed portion sizes between 120,00 and 210,00 grams for both foods. Average body weight in the simulation was around 66,04 kilograms.
What the authors conclude
- They found that the health risks from metals in bulgur are lower than those from rice and stay within acceptable limits.
- They suggest that cadmium, cobalt and lead in rice may need attention because some people could exceed risk thresholds.
How it was done
Rice and wheat can take up unwanted metals from the soil. Bulgur is made by processing wheat, and the authors wanted to see if that changes the metal content compared with rice.
The researchers collected rice and bulgur from 50 participant households in Izmir, Turkey. They measured several metals in the samples. They then used computer simulations to estimate how much people might take in and what health risks that could mean.
What it can’t tell you
- This work measured metals in food samples and used computer models to estimate risk. It did not measure actual health outcomes in people over time.
- The samples came from 50 households in one city in Turkey. The results may not match bulgur or rice sold elsewhere.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey
The paper
- Title
- An exposure-risk assessment for potentially toxic elements in rice and bulgur
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Sofuoglu SC, Sofuoglu A (2018). An exposure-risk assessment for potentially toxic elements in rice and bulgur. Environmental geochemistry and health. doi:10.1007/s10653-017-9954-1Free full textPubMed 28397064DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error