Trace element contents in food determined by neutron activation analysis and other techniques

Advances in analytical methodology and sophisticated instrumentation introduced during the last few decades have not only helped to recognize the presence of a large number of essential and toxic trace elements in biological materials and food stuffs, but also added a new dimension in our understanding of their role in health and disease. In deficiency states, most essential trace elements cause health problems. The trace element problem as a public health issue has a very low priority in developing countries. Daily dietary intake data based on well-conducted studies are limited in many parts of the world. The present authors are in the process of generating data for the intake levels of a number of major and minor inorganic elements both in developed and developing countries. The results so far obtained show wide variations. The intake levels of several elements, including potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium, are below the current recommended levels. The concentration of toxic metals, such as aluminum, cadmium, lead, and mercury, are within acceptable limits in most of the diets analyzed.