Impact of variation in carbohydrate intake on mineral utilization by vegetarians

Dietary intakes of two groups of vegetarians (of Asian Indian and of American origin) residing in the United States were compared with intakes of a group of nonvegetarians. Mineral intakes and balances were determined for all three groups for a 7-d period. The vegetarians had a significantly higher percent of energy intake from carbohydrate and significantly higher intakes of crude fiber (CF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than did the nonvegetarians. The American vegetarians had significantly higher intakes of magnesium, iron, and copper than did the other groups. Manganese intakes were significantly higher for the two vegetarian groups than for the nonvegetarians. Calcium, iron, zinc, and copper balances were not significantly different among the groups. Magnesium and manganese balances were significantly more negative for the American vegetarians than for the other two groups. In general, the higher percent of carbohydrate intake or the higher level of fiber intake did not appear to affect mineral utilization by the vegetarians.