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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Assessing Mineral Availability in Fish Feeds using Complementary Methods Demonstrated with the Example of Zinc in Atlantic Salmon

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Published on: October 29, 2021

Zinc and selenium nutritional status in vegetarians.

Maritsa Carla de Bortoli¹, Silvia Maria Franciscato Cozzolino

¹PRONUT (Program of Applied Human Nutrition)-FSP/FCF/FEA, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. mbortoli@usp.br

Biological Trace Element Research

|October 28, 2008

Summary

Vegetarian diets can lack essential minerals like zinc. This study found low zinc levels in São Paulo vegetarians, indicating a need for regular nutritional assessment and support to prevent deficiency.

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Assessing Mineral Availability in Fish Feeds using Complementary Methods Demonstrated with the Example of Zinc in Atlantic Salmon

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Published on: October 29, 2021

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Published on: May 16, 2019

Area of Science:

Nutritional Science
Human Health
Biochemistry

Background:

Vegetarian diets offer health benefits but risk nutrient deficiencies.
Minerals such as zinc and selenium are crucial for health.
Assessing nutrient status in specific populations is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the zinc and selenium nutritional status of vegetarians in São Paulo.
To identify potential deficiencies in this population group.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study design.
Inclusion criteria: adults (>=18 years), both genders, no supplements.
Analysis of plasma and erythrocyte zinc and selenium concentrations.

Main Results:

Selenium blood levels were adequate in the studied vegetarians.
Erythrocyte zinc concentration was found to be deficient.
Mean BMI was 21.5, with a mean age of 27 years.

Conclusions:

Vegetarians in São Paulo exhibit inadequate zinc status.
Regular nutritional monitoring and support are recommended for vegetarians.
Dietary adjustments may be necessary to ensure adequate zinc intake.