Mineral and phenolic concentrations of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata] grown in semi-arid tropical India

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata] is an important pulse crop grown in south, east and southeast Asia. Mungbean seed samples harvested from field trials conducted in two environments in Hyderabad, India were utilized to determine genetic variation in the concentrations of minerals Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Na, K and P and to determine the concentrations of phytic acid (PA) and phenolic compounds. Significant variations in Fe (35–87 mg/kg), Ca (1190–1580 mg/kg), Mg (970–1700 mg/kg), Zn (21–62 mg/kg), Cu (7.5–11.9 mg/kg), Mn (9.8–19.6 mg/kg), Se (0.21–0.91 mg/kg), K (8670–14,100 mg/kg) and P (2760–5170 mg/kg) were recorded in mungbean lines commonly grown in South Asia. The effect of the environment on the concentration of minerals in mungbean lines was observed. The Fe concentration of lines CN 9-5 and Harsha doubled when grown in soil with increased availability of Fe. The low PA concentration (2.6–3.8 g/kg) and the presence of phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid (1540–3400 μg/g) in mungbean may lead to increased bioavailability of micronutrients. Nutrient-rich mungbean should be included in diets to combat micronutrient malnutrition.     

Essential and non-essential/toxic elements in rice available in the Portuguese and Spanish markets

Eighty-six rice samples, representing the most common rice brands sold in Portuguese and Spanish markets (either locally produced or imported), were analyzed for their content of 35 essential and non-essential/toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean content of essential elements was: 1189 mg/kg (P), 746 mg/kg (K), 294 mg/kg (Mg), 84.7 mg/kg (Ca), 13.3 mg/kg (Zn), 8.8 mg/kg (Na), 8.3 mg/kg (Mn), 7.5 mg/kg (Fe), 1.9 mg/kg (Cu), 0.55 mg/kg (Mo), 0.18 mg/kg (Se) and 0.12 mg/kg (Co). However, significant differences exist between the different types of rice, with brown rice showing the highest content of most essential elements. The daily intake of essential elements resulting from the average Iberian (Portugal and Spain) per capita consumption of rice was calculated and its contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) was estimated. Data showed that rice can be an important dietary source of P, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo and Se but does not significantly contribute to the daily dietary intake of Ca, Na and Fe. The content of toxic elements was very low, indicating that rice can be regarded as a very safe food.     

Nutritional and morphological diversity of breadfruit (Artocarpus, Moraceae): Identification of elite cultivars for food security

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is an underutilized staple crop developed over thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of Oceania. The current study evaluated protein and mineral content, fruit morphology and flour production in 94 cultivars of breadfruit grown within a single location at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii. Across the cultivars, fruit weight ranged from 0.47–3.54 kg, the edible portion of the fruit after seeds, skin and core were removed ranged from 0.30 to 3.11 kg and the average protein content varied from 2.7 to 6.2% by dry weight. Depending on the cultivar, the fruit contained on a dry weight basis 283–1491 μg/g Ca, 3.6–31 ng/g Co, 1.1–5.6 μg/g Cu, 6.2–21.2 μg/g Fe, 7.5–16.2 mg/g K, 630–2281 μg/g Mg, 70–843 μg/g Na, 846–2379 μg/g P, and 1.5–10.7 μg/g Zn, representing significantly more calcium, cobalt, iron, potassium, and magnesium, comparable phosphorous, and slightly lower manganese and zinc than refined wheat, rice and corn flours. Together, these data are indicative of the high degree of phenotypic diversity of cultivated varieties of breadfruit and the potential for identification of individual cultivars that are particularly good sources of mineral and protein nutrition.     

Contents of mineral elements in Swedish market basket diets

The aim of this study was to estimate the average dietary exposure to toxic and essential mineral elements in the Swedish population (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Se, Ca, K, Mg, Na, I). Market baskets were purchased during March-May 1999 in four cities representing the major geographical regions and population centres in Sweden. The market baskets were based on food disappearance data representing more than 90% of annual supply, and were divided into 12 food groups.Large variations between food groups were seen for the average concentrations of most essential elements. Differences between the four cities were relatively small (CoV < 10-20%), exceptions being e.g. Se in cereals and I in meat. Pb concentration varied considerably among food groups ranging from <0.001 mg/kg in soft drinks to 0.027 mg/kg in wine. Cd concentration varied from <0.001 mg/kg in soft drinks and dairy products to 0.024 mg/kg in cereal products. Average contents of the elements were (per/person/day) 1110 mg Ca, 2580 mg Na, 3320 mg K, 285 mg Mg, 11.3 mg Zn, 9.2 mg Fe, 3.5 mg Mn, 1.15 mg Cu, 0.20 mg I, 0.052 mg Se, 0.09 mg Ni, 0.025 mg Cr, 0.011 mg Co, 0.007 mg Pb and 0.010 mg Cd. Compared to a previous study in 1987 no or minor changes in the supply of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cd have occurred. The content of Fe was about 40% lower in the present study, mainly due to cessation of flour fortification. The content of Se was about 30% higher. The content of Pb was about 50% lower, probably due to the elimination of Pb from petrol and other measures taken to reduce Pb emissions in Sweden. The average content of essential mineral elements in the Swedish diet was close to or above daily recommended intakes for adults, except for Mg and Fe. The average Pb and Cd content corresponds to 3% and 17% of the JECFA PTWI, respectively. The content of Cd corresponds to 47% of the new TWI established by EFSA in 2009.     

Assessment of in vitro bioacessibility of macrominerals and trace elements in green banana flour

The in vitro gastrointestinal simulation allows estimating the bioaccessible fraction (BF), thus indicating the real nutritional food value. Most studies that use in vitro tests assess the antioxidant capacity of foods, however, the bioaccessibility of elements is still little explored, mainly in functional foods, as the green banana flour (GB). Therefore, this paper describes the total concentration and BF of Mg, Ca, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe in different brands of GB flours. The chemical composition and phytic acid (PA) concentration were also determined. In general, the highest concentrations (mg 100 g⁻¹) of the total mineral were obtained for Mg (99.2–161) > Ca (27.9–74.7) > Fe (2.6–11). The highest gastrointestinal BF (%) were obtained for Mg (84–101), Mn (80–85), Cu (70–87) and Zn (76–92). The elements that were directly affected by the presence of PA were Ca and Fe, with BF ranging from 24 to 34 % and 21–35 %, respectively, most likely due to the formation of insoluble complexes in the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. According to achieved results, based on total concentration, proximate composition and bioacessibility of elements, GB can provide an adequate intake of Mg, Cu, Fe and proteins, making its inclusion in the daily diet of great relevance.     

Mineral and trace element concentrations in seaweeds from the sub-Antarctic ecoregion of Magallanes (Chile)

The P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn concentrations were determined in seventy-three samples of seaweeds belonging to different genera (classified as brown, red and green seaweeds), which were collected from three zones in the sub-Antarctic ecoregion of Magallanes (Chile). There were clear differences in the concentrations between the considered genera. Brown seaweed had the highest mean K (31.4 g/kg) and Ca (10.3 g/kg) concentrations compared with red (14.1 g/kg for K and 3.11 g/kg for Ca) and green (13.9 g/kg for K and 7.58 g/kg for Ca) seaweed, and green seaweed had the highest mean Mg (15.0 g/kg), Fe (1260 mg/kg) and Cu (7.46 mg/kg) concentrations. The consumption of a serving (8 g) from of the three groups of brown, red and green seaweed is a good source of Fe, Mg and Mn (>25% of the Dietary Recommended Intake). Significant differences were observed in the mean concentrations of all the minerals and trace elements, except for Fe, Cu and Mn, between the three collection zones. Factor and discriminant analysis were used to differentiate the type of seaweed and sampling zone. Besides which, good classifications were obtained according to the type of seaweed using discriminant analysis.     

Mineral elements content of wild growing edible mushrooms from the southeast of Spain

Wild-growing mushrooms could be a potential source of mineral elements The aim of this study was to analyze the mineral composition of 18 species of wild-growing mushrooms collected in a natural park from the Spanish southeast (province of Granada). Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and P was analyzed colorimetrically by the vanadomolybdate procedure; the accuracy of methods was assessed by the use of certified reference materials. The contribution of mushrooms consumption to the mineral daily recommended intakes was calculated. Although large variations were observed between species, the most abundant mineral elements in the analyzed mushrooms were K and P, with average contents of 29.3 ± 8.1 and 8.60 ± 4.8 g/kg dry matter (dm), respectively. Low Na concentrations were observed (26.5–579 mg/kg dm), with the only exception of Amanita ovoidea, and high Fe values, exceeding in some cases 1000 mg/kg dm (such as in Lactarius deliciosus and Morchella conica). Mushrooms may be significant contributors of K and P in the human diet and also good sources of trace elements, especially Cu and Fe, providing negligible quantities of Na. Strong correlations were observed for Ca/Mg and Cu/Zn contents in the mushrooms analyzed.     

Element differences and evaluation of the dietary intake from farmed oysters and mussels collected at different sites along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of the macroelements Ca, Mg, K and Na, microelements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn and toxic metals As, Cd, Hg and Pb were determined in oysters and mussels collected at farming sites in the northern, central and south Adriatic Sea. Mean concentrations in oysters were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.51, Ca 1551, Cd 1.44, Cu 53.6, Cr 0.23, Fe 45.9, Hg 0.047, K 2476, Mg 895, Mn 2.80, Na 7148, Pb 0.52, Zn 675. Mean values in mussels were (mg kg⁻¹): As 4.71, Ca 601, Cd 0.37, Cu 1.91, Cr 0.29, Fe 49.6, Hg 0.026, K 2246, Mg 1043, Mn 2.49, Na 7992, Pb 0.58, Zn 28.8. Significant differences in the concentrations of toxic metals and elements were found in oysters and mussels among farming sites. Obtained Cd, Hg and Pb concentration in oysters and mussels were lower than the limit levels set by the European Community. However, Cd concentration exceeded the limit level of 1 mg kg⁻¹ in oysters from all locations except Lim Bay. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) indicate that oysters are a good source of Ca, Cu and Zn. The higher Cu and Zn concentrations than the toxicity reference values suggest a risk for consumers if larger quantities of oysters are consumed frequently.     

Evaluation of total and bioaccessible concentration of minerals in creole beans

The present study evaluated the total and bioaccessible concentrations of minerals in raw and cooked Creole beans. An analytical methodology was optimized, which involved several steps from sample preparation, accuracy study, data treatment, and instrumental analysis – using a microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometer (MIP OES). The present study provides information about the total concentration of the metals Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Zn and the bioaccessible fraction of metals Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in three different types of creole beans. The elements that presented a greater quantity on all beans, both raw and cooked, were K and Mg. K varied from 12,600 to 13,300 mg/kg for the raw beans and 4590–10300 mg/kg for the cooked beans. Mg varied between 1620 and 1980 mg/kg for the raw beans and 670–1040 mg/kg for the cooked beans. The BRS Expedito type showed a higher concentration of K and Mg on raw and cooked beans. However, when the bioaccessibility study was carried out among the elements listed above, the most bioaccessible were Cu and Zn. Cu presented a bioaccessible fraction percentage between 52.6–59.2% for raw beans and 38.5–61.2% for cooked beans. Zn presented a bioaccessible fraction percentage between 45.6–50.6% for raw beans and 43%–63.5% for cooked beans. The results found on this study indicate that, possibly, the water and the cooking process significantly influences the mineral content. Also, studying mineral concentration on cooked beans is more nutritionally important than characterizing the raw grain, as beans are a type of food mostly consumed on its cooked form.     

Dried Wild-Grown Mushrooms Can Be Considered a Source of Selected Minerals

Dried mushrooms might be a source of mineral components, which are indispensable for human health. The aim of this study was to determine the contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) in dried wild-grown mushrooms (Boletus edulis and Xerocomus badius) available for sale, and to evaluate these mushrooms’ contribution to the daily reference intake of the studied bioelements. The concentrations of mineral components in the mushroom samples were determined by the flame method (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and the electrothermal (Se) atomic absorption spectrometry method. The mean Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn (in mg/kg), and Se concentrations (in µg/kg) in B. edulis were 82.1, 964.1, 233.4, 97.9, 25.3, 22.1, and 6501.6, respectively, whereas in X. badius: 67.5, 1060.2, 87.8, 197.2, 33.9, 19.8, and 282.4, respectively. We have shown that dried B. edulis can be considered a source of Se. In the case of the other microelements, the tested mushrooms may serve only as additional supplements. Therefore, the studied species of mushrooms cannot be regarded as potential nutritional sources of the macroelements in question. Consumers should be properly informed about this, which should be guaranteed by appropriate legal regulations.     

Content of macro- and microelements and evaluation of the intake of different dairy products consumed in Croatia

Macromineral and microelement contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry in 51 dairy products (milk, four types of cheese and butter). Significant differences in the concentrations of Ca, K, Na, Mg, Zn and Cu were observed (p < 0.05, all) between dairy products. Higher levels of Ca, Na, Mg and Se were measured in hard cheese than in semi-hard, fresh and cream cheese samples. The highest mean levels of elements were measured in products (mg kg⁻¹): milk: K 2070; hard fat cheese: Ca 10,700, Na 10,300, Mg 440, Zn 91.3, Se 0.78; cream cheese: Cu 3.12, Fe 3.9; butter: Se 0.79. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) calculated for milk show contribution to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for the elements (%): Ca 42, K 13.2, Mg 10.3–13.3, Zn 11.4–15.7, Se 13.1. The highest contribution of elements to the RDA values was determined for hard fat cheese (%): Na 7.93, Zn 16.6–22.8, Se 28.4. However, a contribution to the RDA of less than 1% was determined for K, Mg and Fe in cheeses. The contribution of Cu to the RDA value ranged in cheese samples between 2.78 and 6.93%, though this was less than 1% in milk.     

Mineral Concentrations in Cow's Milk from the Canary Island

Concentrations of selenium (Se), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were determined in samples of raw and sterilized cow's milk. The following mean concentrations (and ranges) were recorded in raw cow's milk: Se (μg/L), 16.44 (6.8–28.6); Fe (mg/L), 0.515 (0.19–1.00); Cu (mg/L), 0.076 (0.03–0.16); Zn (mg/L), 4.41 (2.3–6.6); Na (mg/L), 534.1 (278–870); K (mg/L), 1424 (1035–1874); Ca (mg/L), 1653 (1196–2236); Mg (mg/L), 113.9 (71.5–159.4). The sterilized cow's milk showed mean concentrations of Fe (0.170 mg/L) and Zn (3.06 mg/L) significantly lower than the concentrations observed in raw cow's milk; however, the mean concentrations of Se (14.90 μg/L) and Cu (0.110 mg/L) were similar and significantly higher than in raw cow's milk, respectively. No significant differences for Na, K and Mg were observed between the mean concentrations in raw and sterilized cow's milk. An important contribution to the daily intake of Ca and K for Canarian people due to the consumption of cow's milk was observed. Moderate amounts of Mg and Na, and smaller amounts of Zn and Se are also supplied. Our data for the mineral concentrations in cow's milk were within normal intervals of concentration described in the literature. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Na, K and Ca in raw cow's milk remained approximately constant during the 12 months sampled. In contrast, the Se, Mg and Zn concentrations varied significantly with the climatic season, presenting the lowest mean concentrations during autumn.     

Microgreens of Brassicaceae: Mineral composition and content of 30 varieties

The mineral element composition was analyzed for 30 varieties of microgreens, representing 10 species within 6 genera of the Brassicaceae family. Brassicaceae microgreens were assayed for concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and of microelements, including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Determinations of mineral elements in microgreen samples were performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP OES). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement ranging from 176 to 387 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by P (52–86 mg/100 g FW), Ca (28–66 mg/100 g FW), Mg (28–66 mg/100 g FW), and Na (19–68 mg/100 g FW). Among the microelements, Fe tended to be most abundant (0.47–0.84 mg/100 g FW), followed by Zn (0.22–0.51 mg/100 g FW), Mn (0.17–0.48 mg/100 g FW), and Cu (0.041–0.13 mg/100 g FW). Based upon the analysis of 30 varieties, the results demonstrate that microgreens are good sources of both macroelements (K and Ca) and microelements (Fe and Zn.). Consumption of microgreens could be a health-promoting strategy to meet dietary reference intake requirements for essential elements beneficial to human health.     

肺癌及癌旁组织中微量元素含量分析

目的 :探讨肺癌患者的癌、癌旁和正常组织中微量元素含量的变化。方法 :收集 2 0例肺癌患者癌组织、癌旁组织及正常组织 ,用等离子体发射光谱仪测定Se、Zn、Cu、Fe、Mg、Mn含量。结果 :肺癌患者的正常组织、癌旁组织、癌组织Se、Zn、Mg的含量和Se/Zn的比值逐渐降低 ,但Cu、Fe、Mn的含量和Cu/Zn、Fe/Zn、Mn/Zn的比值则相反而逐渐升高 (P <0 .0 1)。结论 :微量元素含量的变化与肺癌发生、发展有一定的关系 ,对癌变过程的研究和临床治疗的指导具有重要意义     

Antioxidant activity of melatonin in diabetes in relation to the regulation and levels of plasma Cu,Zn, Fe,Mn, and Se in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

ObjectiveTo study the antioxidant activity of melatonin in diabetes in relation to the regulation and levels of plasma copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and lean (ZL) rats.MethodsAt 6 wk of age, both ZDF (n = 30) and ZL (n = 30) animals were subdivided into three groups: control (C) (n = 10), vehicle (V) (n = 10), and melatonin-treated (M) (10 mg/kg/d; n = 10) rats for a 6-wk period. At the end of treatment period, plasma mineral levels were measured by flame (Cu, Zn, and Fe), electrothermal (Mn), and hydride generation (Se) atomic absorption spectrometry.ResultsZDF rats had significantly higher Cu, Fe, and Mn plasma levels than did ZL rats (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between control and vehicle groups (P > 0.05). Melatonin treatment did not influence plasma levels of these antioxidant minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in ZDF groups (M-ZDF versus C-ZDF group) and ZL (M-ZL versus C-ZL group) rats with the exception of Zn, whose mean plasma level was lower in the M-ZL versus C-ZL group. However, plasma Se levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) after melatonin supplementation in both groups (M-ZDF and M-ZL).ConclusionThe higher mean plasma Cu, Fe, and Mn levels in the ZDF group are related to the enhanced oxidative stress in diabetes and obesity. Melatonin administration significantly enhanced plasma Se levels in both groups (M-ZDF and M-ZL). This is the first study to report that melatonin treatment increases plasma Se levels.     

Determination and chemometric evaluation of the mineral profile of maize flours

Maize flour is a food rich in nutrients important for the proper functioning of the human body. Nevertheless, for the determination of metals in maize flour there are few studies, which raise concern about quality and its mineral composition for consumption. In this work, it was evaluated the concentration of essential (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, Cr and Zn) and non-essential (Cd and Cr) metals in yellow and white maize flour samples produced in Paraná State - Brazil. For this purpose, it was performed a sample treatment employing wet digestion in a digester block and determination of metals by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The highest concentrations found in the flour were Ca (55.4 mg kg⁻¹) and Mg (86.9 mg kg⁻¹) and the lowest concentrations were Cr (0.11 mg kg⁻¹) and Cd (0.01 mg kg⁻¹). In yellow and white maize flour the highest concentration was for Mg, 81.5 mg kg⁻¹and 98.4 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that some samples had a similar mineral profile, such as the relationship with the place of origin of the cereal.     

济宁市91种主要食物锰、锌、铜、铁、镁含量的测定

为了解当地主要食物必需元素含量，用原子吸收分光光度计火焰法，测定了９１种食物中锰、锌、铜、铁、镁的含量。结果显示豆类、麦仁及黑大米锰含量多于其它食物；畜禽肉、内脏富含锌、铜和铁；小麦粉、干豆类、豆腐、菠菜、苔菜等含铁较多。１４种淡水鱼中四种必需微量元素含量均较少。镁在各类食物中含量差异较大，粮谷类普遍高于其它类食物。     

常、微量元素与胎儿宫内发育迟缓关系的研究

目的 探讨常、微量元素与胎儿宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)间的关系.方法 孕晚期测定71名孕妇母血、脐血、羊水中微量元素水平,其中IUGR组21例,对照组35例,巨大儿组15例.结果 IUGR组母血清Zn,Se,Mn,Fe,Mg,Cr明显低于对照组(P＜0.05);Cd,Pb,Ni水平明显高于对照组;巨大儿组母血清Fe含量亦明显低于对照组(P＜0.05);三组间Ca,Ti,Co,Li无明显差别.IUGR组脐血清Se,Mn,Cd,Fe,Cu,Mg明显低于对照组;Pb,Ni明显高于对照组;三组间Zn,Ca,Ti,Co,Li无明显差别.IUGR组羊水Zn,Se,Mn,Fe明显低于对照组,三组间Ca,Co无明显差别.结论 常、微量元素与胎儿发育关系密切,Zn,Se,Mn,Fe,Mg,Cu,Cr缺乏可致胎儿宫内发育迟缓,Cd,Pb,Ni升高可致低体重儿.     

Determination and evaluation of element bioaccessibility in some nuts and seeds by in-vitro gastro-intestinal method

Element bioaccessibility in some nuts and seeds has been determined by performing a physiologically based extraction test. Nine elements (B, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ni and Zn) in gastric and intestinal phase extractions of nuts and seeds were determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and pistachio nuts were used as the materials in this study. The bioaccessible portions of magnesium and calcium were higher than for the other elements whereas B bioaccessibility was the lowest for each of the different types of nuts and seeds. Based on an ingestion rate of 10 g day⁻¹, the amounts of B, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ni and Zn from the nuts and seeds accessible to the body were found to be lower than the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels. The data were also subjected to chemometric evaluation using tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analyses (LDA) in an attempt to classify the nuts and seeds according to these elements bioaccessibility and to find out which elements are more bioaccessible in gastric and intestinal ingestions.     

A Brazilian Total Diet Study: Evaluation of essential elements

Total Diet Study (TDS) has been adopted worldwide and is based on the evaluation of food samples representing a Market Basket, which shows dietary habits of a large-scale population. This TDS presents results of the element concentrations, daily dietary intakes and contributions to the total daily intake of essential elements, Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Cr in 30 food groups of a Market Basket of São Paulo State, Brazil. The methodology for the first Brazilian TDS for the São Paulo State population and its respective Market Basket was developed. Food consumption data and information were obtained from the National Household Food Budget Survey, Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF) 2002–2003 conducted by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics, which includes 5440 foods. The selection criteria to carry out the Market Basket were the foods consumed at more than 2 g/day/person, which represented 72% of the total weight of the foods for this population. Element concentrations were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis and ranged in mg kg⁻¹ as follows: Na: 1.5–256,185; K: 0.51–532; Ca: 22–1827; Fe: 0.08–49; Zn: 0.030–98; and in μg kg⁻¹ Cr: 2.6–799. The dietary intakes contributed by the Market Basket were: 1928 mg/day⁻¹ Na; 861 mg/day⁻¹ K; 275 mg/day⁻¹ Ca; 5.70 mg/day⁻¹ Fe; 4.25 mg/day⁻¹ Zn and 20.7 μg/day⁻¹ Cr. The observed low levels are probably due to the fact that Market Basket represented 72% of the weight of the household consumed foods. The highest contributions to the total intake of the essential elements were: salts, 78.9% of Na; breads, 36.9% of Fe and 46.4% of Cr; cereals, 18.7% of Zn; and milk/cream, 58.7% of Ca and 23.6% of K.