Determination of lead and cadmium in samples of chocolates and cocoa sold in latakia markets

This study estimated the levels of lead and cadmium in 12 chocolate and cocoa samples from latakia markets by atomic absorption spectrometry . Most of the samples, were well known Syrian trademarks. The results showed that concentration of lead in samples of dark chocolate ranged between 0.061 and 0.49 mg\ kg ,and in samples of cocoa between 0,10 and 0,51 mg\ kg, but it was much less 0.01 - 0. 16 mg\ kg in white chocolate and Imported chocolates. concentration of cadmium in samples of dark chocolate ranged between 0.01 and 0.24 mg\ kg and in samples of cocoa between 0.03 and 0.231 mg\ kg. but it was also less in white chocolate and imported chocolates 0.01 - 0.051 mg\ kg. The results indicated that dark chocolates have higher concentrations of lead and cadmium than white chocolates and that the levels of lead and cadmium are generally higher than the common levels in developed countries ,and thus. might be a significant source of lead and cadmium ingestion, Raw materials should be checked before use for metal contents in order to decrease the concentrations of these metals in final chocolate products..

Acne Vulgaris and Its Relationship with Dietary Habits

This study included 198 patients who were divided into groups according the clinical severity of acne: mild (30.30%), moderate (44.44%), severe acne (25.25%). We chose 50 persons who did not have acne and depended on them as a control group. Our study showed the correlation between high and frequent consumption of certain food stuff (milk, dairy products, fried food, sweets and food with a high content of sugars, chocolate) and the increase in the risk of occurrence acne. We could not prove the existence of a relationship between frequent intake of (eggs, fatty food, nuts) and the incidence of the disease. But the study showed that increased intake of each of the (dairy products, eggs, sweets, sugars, and food high in fat and fried) may be exacerbating factors the disease, because increased consumption was accompanied by more severe cases of the disease. But we did not notice this link with chocolate and nuts. Our study also showed the importance of the high consumption of each (fruit, vegetables, fish and marine products) as a prevention of occurrence acne, and the lack of consumption increase the probability of appearance the disease