Mineral Content Variations in Local and Imported Honey: A Case Study in Kosovo

Abstract

This study of mineral content variations in thirty local and imported honey samples from Kosovo focused on Zn, Ca, Fe, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, and Na. Mineral content was determined by MP-AES, and statistical analysis included ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Local honey contained higher levels of K, Fe, Mn, and Cu but lower levels of Na, Ca, Zn, and Mg compared to imported honey. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in acacia honey for K and Mn, and in multifloral and forest honey for K, Mn, Na, Zn, and Cu. PCA clearly separated local and imported honeys, supporting the potential of mineral profiling for geographic origin differentiation. Positive correlations (p<0.05 or p<0.01) were detected among several mineral pairs in both local and imported honey samples, indicating synergistic accumulation influenced by botanical and environmental factors. Mineral concentrations remained below EU permissible levels for honey, confirming safety. These findings highlight the nutritional value of local honey and the influence of geographic and botanical origin on its mineral composition.