# Nutritional Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Hemp (_Camanabis sativa_ L.) Seed from Romania
## 4 Discussion
### Macro- and Micromutrient Composition of Hemp Seed Varieties  
Due to the differences in hemp varieties analyzed across various studies, comparing mineral content results can be challenging. Our findings on potassium levels in hemp seeds surpassed those reported by [PERSON] [6] but were lower than those obtained by other researchers studying macroelements in hemp seeds [4; 29; 34; 35; 36]. Magnesium is an essential mineral crucial for activating numerous biochemical processes vital to human health [37], and its content in certain hemp seeds ranges from 240 mg/100 g [33] to 694 mg/100 g [35], exceeding the values obtained in our study. Calcium levels reported in prior research varied from 90 mg/100 g [33], 94 mg/100 g [6], 94-121 mg/100 g [36], 127 mg/100 g [34], 145 mg/100 g [4], to 175.6 mg/100 g [29], aligning with our findings.  
Iron is essential in the human diet to enable hemoglobin production. However, inorganic iron such as is commonly found in plant-based foods is less readily absorbed by the body compared with organic (heme) iron present in animal products [38]. Consequently, vegetarians are advised to increase their iron intake by up to 80% above the recommended levels to compensate for the lower bioavailability of plant-based iron [39]. Reports in the literature describing iron concentrations in hemp seeds show significant variations [4; 6]. High values of up to 240 mg/100 g have been associated with iron-rich soils used in experimental hemp cultivation [40].  
Typical zinc levels in hemp seeds range from 4 to 7 mg per 100 g, as documented by [PERSON], [PERSON], and [PERSON] [33; 34; 40]. Copper concentrations in hemp seeds span from 0.5 mg to 2 mg per 100 g, according to [PERSON] and [PERSON] [4; 6]. Our study's results for both zinc and copper are consistent with these previous findings.  
Manganese concentrations in earlier studies varied from 6 mg/100 g [33] to 12-15 mg/100 g [36], matching our results. In their research on heavy metal and micronutrient content in hemp seeds from northwest Turkey, [PERSON] and colleagues reported nickel content between 0.36 and 1.66 mg/kg, comparable to our findings [41]. [PERSON] reported higher micronutrient values of 1.6 to 6.1 mg/kg in hemp seeds, exceeding our study's results [40].  
Cadmium, a heavy metal present in soil, poses significant environmental and health risks due to its toxicity and ease of absorption by plants. The EU limits cadmium levels in seeds used for oil production and cereals to 0.1 mg/kg [42]. [PERSON]'s study of 21 hemp seed samples from northwest Turkey revealed cadmium concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.3 mg/100 g, significantly higher than those in our studied hemp varieties [41].  
Mineral profiles in hemp seeds can vary significantly due to environmental conditions, soil mineral composition, fertilizer application, and plant variety. Proper fertilization and nutrient management can enhance mineral accumulation. Additionally, antagonistic interactions occur when one mineral inhibits the uptake or utilization of another, leading to deficiencies or imbalances. For instance, high levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium can compete with iron and zinc absorption. Anti-nutrient components like phytates and oxalates in hemp seeds can also bind minerals, reducing their bioavailability [43].