Determination of cobalt, manganese, and alcohol content in beers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of exposure to cobalt and manganese through the consumption of different brands of commercial beers widely consumed in Spain, considered as two groups according to their alcohol content. The Mn and Co concentrations in beer samples ranged from 25.29 to 228.60 mu g/liter and 0.16 to 0.56 mu g/liter, respectively. These contents do not differ from those found in other countries, and all comply with the maximum levels permitted by law. Significant differences occurred only in Mn content between beers with and without alcohol. The consumption of alcoholic beers contributes to an increased body burden of Mn among heavy consumers. According to the low levels of Co found in both types of beers, we can suggest that there is no risk of suffering cardiomyopathies and there is no significant contribution to the total intake of the element in heavy beer drinkers.