Evaluating the essential microminerals in chicken and beef from Java, Indonesia using neutron activation analysis for...

Iron, selenium, and zinc are crucial for growth, immune function, and overall health, particularly in early childhood, where deficiencies can lead to nutritional problems such as stunting, a major health issue in Indonesia. This study measured the concentrations of these minerals in chicken and beef using neutron activation analysis (NAA). A total of 146 samples were collected from 73 traditional markets across five provinces in Java: Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java and Yogyakarta. Samples were irradiated for 2 h at a thermal neutron flux of 1013 n·cm^-2·s^-1 with the rabbit system at the G.A. Siwabessy Reactor, Serpong, and analyzed using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometer. On a wet-weight basis, chicken contained of 5.85 ± 2.59 µg/g iron, 0.19 ± 0.14 µg/g selenium, and 12.3 ± 7.19 µg/g zinc, while in beef were 15.75 ± 8.66 µg/g, 0.20 ± 0.18 µg/g, and 37.45 ± 16.11 µg/g, respectively. Dietary intake estimates, calculated from national consumption data that contribution from chicken and beef were below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for all three microminerals, with a highest of 18.2% for selenium in adult males. This study provides valuable data for updating the Indonesian Food Composition Table and highlight the application of neutron activation analysis as a reliable tool for food nutrient characterization in Indonesia.