Advances in the use of stable isotopes of minerals in human studies

In this review, the current state of development of stable isotope methodology is discussed in relation to its application to human mineral nutrition. The minerals considered are magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and lead. Such issues as analytical measurement methodology, the required degree of dietary enrichment, mode of isotope administration, and intrinsic labeling of human foods are reviewed and their current status is presented. It is shown that both mass spectrometry and neutron activation analysis have been applied to various aspects of this research, although the latter more widely. Research need, current problems, and the likely future direction of stable isotopes in human mineral research are summarized.