Beer as a potential source of macroelements in a diet: the analysis of calcium, chlorine, potassium, and phosphorus content in a popular low-alcoholic drink

The human body needs minerals to function properly. Since mineral deficiency leads to numerous serious disorders, it is imperative for a diet to ensure the correct supply of minerals. Due to the fact that beer is one of the most popular drinks in the world, a decision was made to determine whether this type of beverage can be considered as an important source of macroelements in a diet. For the purpose of this study, 52 types of bottled beer were analyzed. The beers were imported to Poland from Mexico (four bottles), China (six bottles), Czech Republic (four bottles), Ukraine (four bottles), Thailand (eight bottles), Vietnam (six bottles), Ireland (four bottles), Germany (four bottles), Armenia (four bottles), Italy (four bottles), and Portugal (four bottles). The analysis was performed by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and the results were subjected to statistical analysis (U Mann–Whitney test). The study showed that beer is a good source of calcium and that one bottle (500 ml) covers up to 12% of the daily norm of the National Food and Nutrition Institute in Warsaw, Poland (IŻŻ), and up to 15.5% in reference to US norms. The rest of the studied elements (chlorine, potassium, phosphorus) cover up to 3% of the daily need.