Peter Hascik, Matúš Rajský, Miroslava Kačániová, Adriana Pavelková
This study evaluated the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, mineral composition, and heavy metal contamination of brown bear (Ursus arctos) muscle, with emphasis on its nutritional quality and potential health risks for consumers. Muscle samples (musculus semimembranosus and musculus triceps brachii; n = 10) obtained from free-ranging individuals in Slovakia were analysed using validated analytical methods. Brown bear muscle was characterised by high protein content (~ 22.5 g/100 g) and low intramuscular fat content (< 1 g/100 g), confirming its lean nutritional profile. The fatty acid composition was dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids, followed by saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid quality indices indicated favourable nutritional properties, including low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and a PUFA/SFA ratio above recommended nutritional thresholds. However, the relatively high n-6/n-3 ratio reflected the omnivorous feeding ecology and seasonal physiological status of the analysed animals. Iron and zinc represented the predominant trace minerals, highlighting the nutritional value of the analysed muscle tissue. Most toxic elements (As, Cr, Cd, Hg) remained below analytical detection or quantification thresholds and were therefore interpreted descriptively. Lead (Pb) was detected at low mean concentrations; however, substantial inter-individual variability resulted in sporadically elevated values, most likely associated with secondary contamination from bullet fragments. Exposure assessment based on consumption of a 100 g portion and an upper-bound approach for left-censored data indicated negligible toxicological relevance for Cd and Hg, whereas Pb exposure increased considerably under maximum exposure scenarios. Overall, brown bear muscle represents a nutritionally valuable food source; however, continued monitoring of Pb contamination in game meat remains warranted.