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.     

Minerals and trace elements in a collection of wheat landraces from the Canary Islands

Phosphorous, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Se were determined in eighteen wheat landraces from Canary Islands and a commercial cultivar. The mean values obtained were: P (2370 ± 333 mg/kg); Na (102 ± 52 mg/kg); K (4363 ± 386 mg/kg); Ca (351 ± 62 mg/kg); Mg (1163 ± 155 mg/kg); Fe (40.0 ± 5.5 mg/kg); Cu (2.68 ± 0.93 mg/kg); Zn (32.1 ± 2.9 mg/kg); Mn (22.1 ± 3.5 mg/kg); Se (67.7 ± 40.4 μg/kg). There were differences (P < 0.05) in the mineral and trace element between the analyzed cultivars, and between the species and subspecies of wheats. Therefore, the Triticum aestivum species had higher mean P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn concentrations, and a lower mean Se concentration, than Triticum turgidum species. The environment and agronomic practices could affect the genetic information of the seeds determining changes in the mineral and trace element composition. The wheat represents an excellent source of Mn (over 100% of recommended dietary intake, RDI), as well as P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se (20–50% of RDI). Many correlations were found between the parameters analyzed emphasizing the Cu–Mg (r = 0.691) and Cu–Mn (r = 0.619) correlations. Linear discriminant analysis allowed a good differentiation of the wheat samples according to the cultivar (89.7% of wheat samples classified correctly).     

深圳市母乳中矿物质含量及重金属负荷水平研究

目的了解深圳市初产、顺产妇的乳汁中8种矿物质(钙、钾、钠、镁和微量元素锌、铁、硒、铜)含量和3种有毒元素(铅、砷、镉)负荷水平,以评估该地婴儿8种常量元素和微量元素的营养状况和3种有毒元素污染水平。方法于2007年7～10月采集在深圳生活5年以上20～35岁的初产妇产后3周～2月龄的母乳共60份,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱法及电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定母乳中的常量元素钙、钾、钠、镁和微量元素锌、铁、硒、铜及有毒元素铅、砷、镉的含量。结果所测母乳的8种矿物质和重金属中,常量元素钙、钾、钠、镁的平均含量分别是280.22、498.61、188.65和28.31mg/L,微量元素锌、铁、硒、铜的平均含量分别是2.29mg/L、358.88μg/L、8.28μg/L和339.16μg/L,铅的平均含量是2.13μg/L。砷和镉的含量均小于0.005μg/L。结论与国际原子能机构的标准及国内的一些地区调查结果比较,深圳地区母乳中常量元素钙、钾、钠、镁和锌、铁、铜7种矿物质的平均含量基本合理,砷、镉的污染水平低,但是存在微量元素硒的缺乏和重金属铅的污染。     

Case study of temporal changes in maternal dietary intake and the association with breast milk mineral contents

Minerals play important roles in infant growth and development, even though they only make up to 0.2 g% of the mature breast milk contents. Limited studies examined the association between maternal dietary intake and breast milk mineral contents in a temporal manner. Twenty Malaysian Malay postpartum mothers were recruited by either convenience or snow balling sampling from the urban lower middle income residential areas. Dietary intake of the subjects was obtained by 24-hour recall during each breast milk collection. Adequacy of maternal mineral intake was compared with the latest Recommended Nutrient Intake for Malaysia. Each of the subject provided breast milk samples for three times (T1, T2, and T3) at consecutive 2-week intervals. Breast milk concentrations of selected macro- and micro-minerals, including Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, I, Cr and Mo were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Subjects were aged 31.4 ± 6.1 years with a majority (60 %) having post-secondary school/ college education. While maternal intake of macro-minerals, Ca, P, K and Mg, did not display a significant temporal changes from T1 to T3, the intake of micro- minerals, Cu, Mn and I decreased significantly over time from T1 to T3. Breast milk K, Fe, Zn and Cu concentrations showed a significant decreased with the progression of lactation from transitional (2–3 weeks) to established stage (>8-12 weeks). Significant correlations were established between maternal intake of K, Na, Fe and Se and their respective concentrations in breast milk in the present study. This case study revealed an inadequate maternal intake of several key micro- minerals (Cu, Mn, I) among the postpartum Malay mothers and a decreasing concentrations of certain essential minerals (K, Fe, Zn and Cu) in breast milk with lactation stage.     

Trace element status of PKU children ingesting an elemental diet

We assessed the trace metal status of 10 children (3.5 to 13.3 yr) with phenylketonuria (PKU) who were successively treated for at least 6 months with a semi-synthetic formula restricted in phenylalanine, then for 6 months with a reformulated formula. The reformulated product contained higher concentrations of magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) and lower concentrations of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and unsaturated fats. Diet records, blood samples, and urine specimens were collected from each subject. Mean intakes of Mg, K, and Zn increased significantly when subjects were switched to the reformulated product. The subject's mean intakes of Se (for all age groups) and Zn (children 11 to 14 yr old) were below 67% of recommended intakes while they were ingesting the original formula. The mean trace metal concentrations of urine, blood, and serum did not differ significantly during the two periods. Mean serum Zn, Se, and Cu concentrations of the subjects were less than those reported for normal children. Significant negative correlations were obtained between serum Zn concentrations and the molar ratio of dietary (Ca + P):Zn, and the molar ratio of dietary Fe:Zn. No significant differences in mean urinary Cu and Zn excretion (mg/g creatinine) were observed in subjects after they were changed to the reformulated product. Individuals whose primary source of energy and protein is derived from semi-synthetic elemental diets are especially at risk for multiple trace element deficiencies.     

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.     

Hepatic PKA inhibition accelerates the lipid accumulation in liver

Zinc deficiency can change the concentrations of minerals and trace elements in the body. However, previous studies still had many limitations. To reveal the effects of zinc deficiency on homeostasis of 16 minerals and trace elements. Forty-five rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal zinc diet (30 mg/kg), low zinc diet (10 mg/kg), and pair-fed diet(30 mg/kg). The concentrations of 16 minerals and trace elements in serum, feces, urine, and liver were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The excretion of 16 elements in urine and feces were calculated and compared. Zinc-deficient rats exhibited significant changes in up to 12 minerals and trace elements. The low zinc diet induced decreased excretion of zinc and concentrations of zinc in serum, feces, urine, and liver. Zinc deficiency increased feces concentrations of Mg, Cu, Se, K, Ag, Fe and Mn; decreased the concentrations of Mg, Cu, Se, K in liver and urine, and a diminished amount of Ag was observed in serum. Decreased urinary concentrations of Zn Ca, Mg, Cu, Se, K, Na, As and Cr, suggested that zinc-deficient rats increased the 9 elements’ renal reabsorption. Decreased concentrations of Ca in liver, urine, and feces, decreased excretion in urine and feces and increased serum total Ca suggested that zinc deficiency increased the redistribution of Ca in serum or other tissues. Zinc deficiency increased excretion of Cu, Se, Fe; and decreased the excretion of other 8 elements except for Ag. Zinc deficiency changed the excretion, reabsorption and redistribution of 12 minerals and trace elements in rats. Our findings are the first to show that zinc deficiency alters the concentrations of Ag, Cr, and As.     

Contribution of Major Groups of Food Products to the Daily Intake of Selected Elements—Results from Analytical Determinations Supported by Chemometric Analysis

Food is a major source of minerals for humans. The main objective of this study was to determine the intake level of 10 essential macro- (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr, and Se) with major food groups among young adults. Dietary intake of elements was evaluated using the 24-h dietary recall technique in combination with F-AAS and ICP-OES methods. A very high intake of sodium and a very low intake of calcium, combined with inappropriate sodium/potassium ratio, may be harmful to the health of the population. Dietary intake of trace elements was within the range of reference values in the subjects, with cereals being the major source of a majority of those elements, while meat (38% for Na), vegetables (25% for K), and milk products (75% for Ca) were the main contributors to the daily dietary intake of macroelements. PCA revealed several visible trends in the datasetAmong men, the intake of Zn, Cr Na and K was significantly correlated with the consumption of meat and vegetables, whereas Mg, Se, Fe and Cu with cereals and water and beverages. Among women, the intake of Mg was significantly correlated with the consumption of meat and vegetables.     

中国六地不同泌乳期母乳矿物质含量研究

  目的  调查中国不同泌乳期母乳矿物质含量水平,为婴儿配方(简称婴配)食品研发提供科学依据。  方法  在成都市、上海市、天津市、广州市、长春市、兰州市等六地区招募处于不同泌乳期的健康产妇690例,收集产妇产后0~5 d、10~14 d、40~45 d、200~240 d和300~400 d母乳,每个城市每个泌乳期收集23例母乳,将其混成1份混乳,共获30份混乳。采用电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定母乳12种矿物质(钾、钙、钠、镁、磷、铁、铜、锌、硒、锰、钼和铬)含量。  结果  母乳锌含量下降趋势最明显,整个泌乳期下降近90%(均有P＜0.05);钾、钠、锌、铁、铜和硒的浓度受泌乳时间影响大,随泌乳时间延长呈下降趋势(均有P＜0.05),200 d后趋于稳定;钙磷浓度的下降趋势较平缓;而镁含量在整个泌乳期变化不大。除钙、磷、铜、镁外,其余矿物质含量在地区间差异无统计学意义(均有P＞0.05)。  结论  不同泌乳期、不同地区间母乳矿物质含量存在差异。婴配食品应考虑中国母乳矿物质含量的代表性水平,并针对不同泌乳期婴幼儿的营养需求进行研发,同时提高矿物质吸收利用率,使其更接近母乳,在满足婴幼儿生长发育需求的基础上,不增加其肾脏负担。     

锌铜铁钙镁钾钠含量测定及其高血压合并高血脂症关系的研究

目的:探讨高血压合并高血脂症患者血清锌(Zn)、铜(Cu)、铁(Fe)、钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)、钾(K)、钠(Na)含量变化及其临床意义。方法:采用原子吸收分光光度计、全自动生化分析仪和试剂盒分别检测了44例高血压合并高血脂症患者、42例单纯高血压病患者血清Zn、Cu、Fe、Ca、Mg、K、Na及胆固醇(Ch)、甘油三脂(TG)、载脂蛋白A-I(Apo A-I)、载脂蛋白B(Apo B),并与30例正常对照组进行比较分析。结果:高血压合并高血脂症患者的血清Zn、Fe、Mg、Na、Na/K、Zn/Cu及Ch、TG、Apo B均明显高于单纯高血压组和对照组,血清Cu、Ca、K、Ca/Mg及Apo A-I、Apo A-I/Apo B则低于单纯高血压组及对照组,血清Cu、Ca、K、Ca/Mg及Apo A-I、Apo A-I/Apo B比值与收缩压(SBP)和舒张压(DBP)呈负相关,而Zn、Mg、Na、Na/K和Zn/Cu则呈显著正相关;Cu、K、Ca、Ca/Mg与Ch和TG均呈显著负相关,而Zn、Fe、Mg、Na、Na/K、Zn/Cu与Ch、TG、Apo B均呈显著正相关;SBP和DBP与Ch和TG均呈显著正相关。结论:血清中Zn、Cu、Fe、Ca、Mg、K、Na含量的变化与高血压合并高血脂症的发生发展有密切的关系。     

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.     

不同性别人群血压与血清7种元素相关性逐步回归分析

通过对中国脑中风高发区、低发区１５个省、市、自治区的流行病学调查监测，分性别对血清中常量元素Ｋ、Ｎａ、Ｃａ、Ｍｇ和微量元素Ｚｎ、Ｃｕ、Ｆｅ的含量与血压进行了逐步回归分析，探讨了脑中风主要危险因素高血压与血清中７种金属元素含量的相关性，结果发现男性血压与血清中Ｎａ（收缩压）、Ｃａ、Ｆｅ和Ｚｎ／Ｃｕ比（舒张压）呈正相关，与Ｃａ／Ｍｇ比负相关；女性血压与Ｋ、Ｃａ（收缩压）、Ｍｇ、Ｃｕ含量和Ｎａ／Ｋ比、Ｚｎ／Ｃｕ比呈正相关。     

Nutritional Adequacy of Commercial Infant Milk Formulas

The nutritional adequacy of six commonly consumed commercial infant milk formulas were evaluated chemically and biologically in growing rats. Infant formulas (per 100 kcal) provided protein (2.2–2.6 g), fat (4.9–5.4 g), available carbohydrates (10.3–11.4 g), Ca (62.5–80.8 mg), P (31.3–66.1 mg), Fe (0.7–1.8 mg), Zn (0.5–0.8 mg), and Cu (0.05–0.08 mg). The energy density varied between 503 and 526 kcal/100 g. Higher levels of linoleic and saturated fatty acids than in human milk were found. Methionine, tryptophan and lysine were the first, second, and third limiting amino acids in all infant formulas. The true protein digestibility (TD), net protein utilization (NPU), biological value (BV) and utilizable protein (UP) varied from 93–96%, 0.75–0.79, 80–82% and 8.7–10.5% respectively. The protein quality of infant formulas was lower than in cow's milk and human milk.     

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.     

Content of major and minor mineral elements in weekly diets of eleven Finnish hospitals

As part of the research programme of the Sub-network on Trace Element Status in Foods and Diets of the FAO Cooperative Network on Trace Elements, the concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo and Ni were determined in homogenized weekly diets collected from 11 hospitals throughout Finland. Samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry using certified reference materials to ensure analytical quality control. The average energy content of the diets was 8.6 MJ (2045 kcal). The average mineral concentrations were as follows: Na 0.45 g/MJ; K 0.49 g/MJ; Ca 160 mg/MJ; Mg 42 mg/MJ; Fe 1.6 mg/MJ; Zn 1.6 mg/MJ; Mn 0.70 mg/MJ; Cu 0.18 mg/MJ; Mo 12 μg/MJ; and Ni 14 μg/MJ. In conclusion, the quality of Finnish hospital diets with regard to major and minor mineral elements is acceptable with the exceptions of iron, zinc and copper, whose intake may be limited at low energy levels.     

Trace elements and sperm parameters in semen of male partners of infertile couples

OBJECTIVE: The relationships between element concentrations and sperm parameters in semen samples were investigated. METHODS: Semen samples (n = 113) were donated voluntarily by male partners of infertile couples. The concentrations of fourteen elements (Na, K, P, Ca, Zn, Mg, Fe, Cu, Se, Mn, Sn, Co, Ni, and Cd) in semen were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, fluorometry, or colorimetry. Element concentrations in seminal plasma and in sperm were also measured. RESULTS: Element concentrations in semen were in the order Na > P, K > Ca > Zn > Mg > > Fe> Cu, Se > Mn > Sn, Ni, Co, Cd. When the samples were divided into two groups in terms of sperm concentration and number, the Se concentration in semen with normal parameter values (sperm concentration > or = 20 x 10(6) and sperm number > or = 40 x 10(6)), 99.4 +/- 37.4 ng/ml, was higher than that in semen with abnormal parameter values (sperm concentration < or = 20 x 10(6) and/or sperm number < or = 40 x 10(6)), 72.1 +/- 33.9 ng/ml (p < 0.001). A clearer positive correlation between the Se concentration and the sperm concentration was observed in the sperm portion (r = 0.853, p < 0.001) than in semen (r = 0.512, p < 0.001) and seminal plasma (r = 0.292, p = 0.003). Statistically significant correlations were also observed between the concentration of Se, P, Zn, Cu, Fe, or Mn in semen, the sperm portion or seminal plasma and the sperm concentration, semen volume or abnormal morphology, although correlation coefficients were small. CONCLUSION: Among biologically essential elements in semen of infertile males, Se was a good indicator of sperm concentration; however, other trace elements did not indicate clear relationships between their concentrations and sperm parameters.     

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.     

Estimated equilibrated dietary intakes for nine minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) adjusted by mineral balance medians in young Japanese females

The present study sought to determine estimated equilibrated dietary intakes (EEDIs) for nine essential minerals: sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), using data from 17 human mineral balance studies conducted from 1986 to 2007 (subjects=178). Among these studies, two used male subjects, two subjected some or all subjects to sodium restriction, and one study utilized a low protein diet; these subjects were not included in the present analysis. Consequently, data from 13 studies of young female subjects (n=131) consuming a standard diet were selected. Balance distribution medians for six of the minerals (Na, K, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu) were positive, so the data were adjusted to set the medians of the balances to zero. Medians for the other minerals (Ca, P and Mn) were close to zero and were not adjusted. Intake and balance for each mineral were divided by body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM), and standard body weight (SBW), which was calculated using height and standard body mass index (BMI=22), and EEDIs were calculated as the intercept of a simple regression equation. When relationships between intake and balance of a mineral were not significant in the regression equation, a significant regression equation comparing intake and balance of another mineral was used to calculate the intercept. Significant simple regression equations were not obtained from any of the three parameters of Na or Zn, or for two of the parameters of P; thus, K, Fe and Ca balances were used to determine the intercepts for Na, Zn and P, respectively. EEDIs for the minerals were: Na (67.9, 89.0, 62.5), K (39.5, 53.5, 37.4), Ca (11.0, 14.4, 10.1), Mg (4.18, 5.51, 3.86), P (18.7, 24.6, 17.3) (mg/kg BW/d, mg/kg LBM/d, mg/kg SBW/d), Fe (180, 237, 165), Zn (168, 241, 166), Cu (30.9, 42.6, 29.7), Mn (55.1, 72.1, 50.7) (μg/kg BW/d, μg/kg LBM/d, μg/kg SBW/d), respectively. These values are nearly identical to the mean dietary intakes.     

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.     

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.