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Minerals and trace elements in total diets in The Netherlands
W van Dokkum1, R H de Vos, T Muys
1Division of Nutrition and Food Research TNO, CIVO Institutes, Zeist, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that Dutch adolescent males consume safe levels of toxic heavy metals like cadmium and lead. However, their intake of essential minerals iron and copper may be marginal, and sodium intake is high.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent dietary intake is crucial for growth and development.
- Assessing dietary exposure to minerals, trace elements, and heavy metals is vital for public health.
- Previous assessments of the Dutch adolescent diet are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the daily intake of various minerals, trace elements, and heavy metals in the diet of 18-year-old Dutch male adolescents.
- To compare these intake levels with established acceptable daily intake (ADI) values and Dutch recommendations.
- To assess potential health concerns related to the dietary intake of these substances.
Main Methods:
- A 'market basket' approach was used, purchasing 221 food items every 3 months over 2.5 years.
- Food items were prepared and divided into 23 food-commodity groups for analysis.
- Minerals and trace elements were determined in homogenized food groups, and daily intake was calculated.
Main Results:
- Mean daily intake of cadmium, mercury, lead, tin, arsenic, and bromine were below ADI values.
- Zinc and selenium intake were adequate, while copper and iron intake were marginal.
- Calcium, magnesium, and iodine intake exceeded recommendations; sodium intake was higher than advised.
Conclusions:
- Dietary intake of arsenic, bromine, and toxic heavy metals poses little health concern for Dutch male adolescents.
- Marginal intake of iron and copper warrants attention.
- High sodium intake is a potential public health concern.