On uranium ~(234)U and ~(238)U radionuclides in calcium and magnesium supplements and the potential effective radiation dose assessment to the consumers

摘要

In this survey the concentrations of the radioactive nuclides uranium U-234 and U-238 were determined in the most popular calcium and magnesium supplements for adults in Poland. It was also investigated whether the supplements contain uranium isotopes and could be a potential source in the human diet and have an influence on the value of effective radiation doses to the consumers. The analyzed calcium and magnesium pharmaceuticals contained organic or inorganic compounds, several of natural origin as mussel's shells, fish extracts, or sedimentary rocks. As results showed, U-234 and U-238 concentrations in natural origin calcium and magnesium supplements were significantly higher than in other, synthetic ones. The highest U-234 and U-238 activity concentrations were determined in tablets from mussel's shells. The radiochemical hazard was assessed and the highest annual radiation dose was found in U-234 and U-238 present in supplements produced from shells or dolomite rock.