Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate how selective removal of the surface layers of whole wheat grains by abrasive scouring affects the distribution of mineral elements (macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements) and the B group vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and niacin) in three soft winter wheat varieties (Partizanka, Novosadska rana and Lasta). Although representing technologically different quality classes of wheat, the varieties were not significantly different in the B group vitamin contents, except for pyridoxine. Whole grains of all varieties exhibited very similar scouring behavior in reduction of vitamins: the most intensive investigated regime only slightly, but not significantly reduced the concentration of the B group vitamins. The nutritive value of scoured wheat grains with regard to the B group vitamins was preserved.
The investigated minerals were: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Se, Pb and Cd. The concentrations of minerals in scoured wheat grains were significantly reduced, dropping on average to 65% of the initial values for macro and 55% for microelements. The change of concentrations with the duration of applied treatment followed different patterns for different elements. Furthermore, a different pattern of the change for the same element in different wheat varieties was noticed. This might be due either to different mechanical properties of bran and bran layer interfaces or genotypic variability in distribution of elements in wheat grain. Severe reduction in Pb concentrations was achieved leading to improvement of whole-wheat food safety.