Determination of trace elements in chewing gum by neutron activation analysis

Six trace elements of nutritional or toxicological interest (aluminium, calcium, chlorine, manganese, sodium and strontium) have been determined in three different brands of chewing gum by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Unlike graphite furnace atomic absorption, neutron activation requires essentially no treatment of the gum sample prior to analysis. As a result, most of these elements may be quantitated in only a few minutes. For the particular brands of gum examined, none of the detected elements was found to be present at a level representing a substantial contribution to the total dietary intake of the element for an American adult.