## 4 Discussion  
This study assessed the concentrations of a range of essential elements and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in flaxseeds, a food increasingly consumed as part of health-conscious diets. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/915--which sets maximum permissible levels for contaminants in food within the European Union--Cd is the only regulated element for linseeds (flaxseeds), with a limit of 0.50 mg/kg. Our findings indicate that Cd concentrations in both organic (0.116 mg/kg) and conventional (0.127 mg/kg) flaxseed samples were well below this regulatory threshold. Traditionally, Cd is recognized for its toxic, carcinogenic, and stimulating effects, in addition to its association with other diseases such as emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, and hypertension, particularly in cases of chronic intoxication [41]. Although Pb is included in the regulation for several food categories, there is currently no specific limit established for flaxseeds or oilseeds more broadly. This regulatory gap is noteworthy given that Pb was detected in our samples and may pose health concerns depending on exposure levels. On the other hand, for certain metals like Al, their concentration in food merely serves as a basis for their potential toxicity, given that the exposure pathway and toxicodynamics of each metal within the organism bear a distinct relevance to the degree of toxicity [42]. Among the elements analyzed, Al exhibited a statistically significant difference between organic and conventional flaxseeds in our study. This finding is of particular concern, as Al has garnered increasing attention due to its potential neurotoxic effects. Several studies have suggested a link between elevated Al exposure and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease [43]. Although the concentration of Cd is below the legally established limits, it is important to emphasize that the average Cd concentration in European soils is higher than in other regions such as China and the United States [15], and this may influence its concentration in seeds. When comparing our results with data from the literature, such as a recent study on sesame seeds, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Ni in our flaxseed samples were generally lower, except for manganese (Mn), which was found at comparable or slightly lower levels [44]. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [23] reported higher concentrations of most analyzed elements in flaxseeds, including Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Zn, while Pb was found at lower levels than those observed in our study. In their study, the concentration of Al (13.8 \(\pm\) 3.4 mg/kg), Cd (0.49 \(\pm\) 0.17 mg/kg), and Pb (0.0048 \(\pm\) 0.003 mg/kg) was higher than those reported in our study for Al (6.02 and 8.94 mg/kg) and Cd (0.12 and 0.13 mg/kg), but lower for Pb (0.37 and 0.29 mg/kg), for organic and conventional groups, respectively. Our results confirm that flaxseeds can serve as valuable dietary sources of essential elements such as K, Mg, and Na. The nutritional benefits of flaxseed consumption have been well documented, particularly for cardiovascular and metabolic health [45; 46]. Daily intake of 15 to 40 g has been associated with improved lipid profiles, reduced blood pressure, and lower fasting glucose and insulin resistance indices [47]. According to our risk assessment, the maximum permissible intake value to avoid a hazard index above 1 for Al would be 3.5 g/day of flaxseeds, but there would still be a risk associated with Pb. It is important to emphasize that risk assessment employs a quantitative approach that depends on a series of variables and that Pb notably elevates the hazard index in many risk assessments conducted within these parameters. Some metals, such as Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu, can pose risks to plant life and human health [48]. Furthermore, excessive consumption of contaminated foods can trigger adverse health effects, including liver and kidney diseases from Cd [49] and neurotoxic damage from Pb [50].