## 1 Introduction  
_Trifolium pratense_ (red clover) and _Medicago sativa_ (alfalfa) are considered as potential natural sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, which is demonstrated by various scientific studies [1; 2; 3; 4]. Major bioactive compounds in the aerial parts of both plant species are isoflav with estrogenic activities, flavonoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, sterols, and saponins in alfalfa [3; 5]. Red clover has been used for the protection of the cardiovascular system, improvement of bone health, and beneficial effects in breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers [2; 6] and it is recognized as a remedy for menopausal disorders [1; 7]. The extract of alfalfa aerial parts showed a moderate anti-inflammatory effect [3; 8], therapeutic potential in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia [9], and in relieving disorders of the central nervous system [10]. Edible seeds and sprouts of plants from the _Fabaceae_ family have been consumed since ancient times in Asia [11]. Sprout consumption has recently become a worldwide trend, as they are considered a functional food due to the bioactive compounds content [12; 13]. As a result of the increased activities of hydrolytic enzymes, sprouting leads to improvements in the contents of total proteins, lipids, several essential amino acids, simple sugars, and B-group vitamins [14]. Along with bioactive polyphenols content, sprouts are a particularly rich source of minerals [12; 15]. Moreover, in vitro studies showed enhanced bioavailability of zinc, iron, and calcium during sprouting [16]. Among the phytonutrients represented by polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and antioxidants, sprouts can also supply a range of macro- and micro-elements to humans [15]. The trace elements have a fundamental role in the control of oxidative reactions and antioxidant/free radical balance in biological tissues. For example, manganese (Mn) is a component of Mn-SOD enzyme protecting mitochondria from toxic effects of free radicals [17], copper (Cu) is a component of cytochrome oxidase and zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) enzymes, which play an important role as O2\(\bullet^{-}\) scavengers [17; 18]; zinc (Zn) is an SOD component as well and is essential in the maintenance of vascular endothelial integrity and in the immunological system properly functioning [18], selenium (Se) is a structural part of several forms of glutatione peroxidase, an enzyme responsible for the removing of peroxides and H\({}_{2}\)O\({}_{2}\) with major roles in antioxidant defense, regulation of redox state of several molecules, and regulation of thyroid hormone action [17]. Nutritional intake of selenium has been suggested to protect against postmenopausal ovarian cancer [19]. Studies revealed the importance of zinc in depressive symptoms, as well as of iron in aspects such as mood and cognition in premenopausal women [20]. A possible relation between the low levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women was suggested in a recent trial study [21]. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the polyphenioactive properties and the elemental composition of _Trifolium pratense_ L. and _Medicago sativa_ L. sprouts as a potential source of dietary supplements. Recent studies have demonstrated that high concentrations of isoflaves with estrogenic activity and flavonoids in red clover (RCV) and alfalfa (ALF) sprouts support their use in human nutrition as nutraceuticals [11; 22; 23]. However, the elemental composition of RCV and ALF sprouts received little attention. One study [15] reported the quantification of eight minerals, including Mg, Na, Ca, K, Fe, and Zn in seeds and 5-day germinated sprout of ALF. Regarding minerals in RCV sprouts, we found one study reporting the quantification of five minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, and Zn) and P in 5-day germinated sprouts [24] The influence of germination in mineral content was evaluated in other edible sprouts as: different beans species [25] and flax seeds [26].