Analysis of micromineral contents of school meals

Korean ordinary diets are referred to be good for human health in worldwide. However it is uncertain whether they provide microminerals enough for growth and health of teenagers. A main purpose of this study was to identify micromineral contents in school meals.

The fifty cuisines were collected from elementary schools and middle schools in Gyeongnam area. The contents of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn among microminerals were analyzed by using ICP-OES method. Data were expressed as mean, standard deviation and range value and linear regression analysis performed.

Fe level of Pangibuseotpaprika-salad was the highest among side-dishes (average 346.6 µg) and Zn level of Sullung-tang was highest among soups (average 229.1 µg). Cu level of Buchu-kimchi was the highest among kimchies (average 217.5 µg) and Mn level of Gumeunkongyangnyum-gui was highest among side-dishes (average 198.4 µg). Generally cooked-rices as main dish had relative smaller amounts of microminerals than the other cuisines. The results showed that the ratio of Cu : Fe : Zn was approximately 12 : 4 : 1 and the relationship between Fe versus Zn or Fe versus Cu was significantly positive.

Comparing to Korean Dietary Recommended Intakes (KDRI) level, school meals provided not sufficient amount (<25% DRI) of Fe, Zn or Mn, while they did excessive amount (>125% DRI) of Cu.