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Content and bioavailability of trace elements in vegetarian diets
1Division of Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Vegetarian diets are often lower in zinc and selenium but higher in copper and manganese. Most adult vegetarians have adequate trace element status, but children may be at risk for zinc deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Dietary Studies
Background:
- Trace elements like copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc are essential micronutrients.
- Dietary patterns, such as vegetarianism and omnivorism, influence the intake and bioavailability of these trace elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the content and primary food sources of copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc in vegetarian and omnivorous diets.
- To discuss factors affecting trace element bioavailability and their impact on the nutritional status of vegetarians.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on trace element content in different diets.
- Analysis of major food sources contributing to trace element intake.
- Discussion of factors influencing bioavailability, including phytic acid and dietary fiber.
Main Results:
- Vegetarian diets generally contain less zinc and selenium but more copper and manganese than omnivorous diets.
- Cereals are key sources for copper, manganese, and selenium, and zinc in vegetarian diets.
- Flesh foods are primary zinc and secondary selenium sources in omnivorous diets.
Conclusions:
- Despite lower bioavailability due to dietary components like phytic acid and fiber, most adult vegetarians maintain adequate trace element status.
- Children on vegetarian diets may be more susceptible to suboptimal zinc status due to high growth requirements and limited adaptation of absorption mechanisms.