Macro, trace and ultratrace element intake of adults in Europe: problems and dangers?

Abstract

The macro, trace and ultratrace element intake of adults is varied by several factors, with the dry matter intake being most influential. On an average, men take in 24% more dry matter than women. Vegetarians of both sexes take in about 28% more dry matter than people with mixed diets. People with mixed diets and vegetarians take in the same amounts of energy, protein, fat and N-free extra substanices. The intake of ashes and roughage differs by about 40 and 30% between both groups. Vegetarians took in a higher content of ash and roughage than people with mixed diets. The ashes taken in by people with mixed diets consist of >99% macro elements. They only contain 0.3 and 0.2% trace and ultratrace elements. With regard to macro elements, Central Europeans take in too little magnesium and women too little calcium. The phosphorus intake of both sexes is extremely abundant. The iron and zinc intake decreased continuously between 1988 and 1996 whereas the copper, iodine and selenium intake increased. Similarly to the zinc and iron intake, the selenium, iodine and copper one can be improved individually. This is particularly true for selenium: an intake of < 20 μg/day has an effect on the triiodine thyronine level of the blood serum. Under these conditions, selenium supplementation improved the iodine status. The manganese, nickel and molybdenum intake of humans met the requirements. Although ultra trace elements can be essential, as a rule, as was shown with the help of semisynthetic rations, their importance is in the toxic field. Fortunately, the aluminium, strontium, barium, titanium, lead, cadmium and mercury intake of adult people with mixed diets has decreased and is at a harmless level. Food shopping in supermarkets has made a remarkable difference. In exposed areas, these elements can get into individual households via herbs and vegetables grown in house-gardens. Some elements (strontium, rubidium, lithium, vanadium and uranium) are taken in in large quantities via water and home-made beverages. The geological origin of the site, technological processes and the amalgam or tooth fillings (mercury) have an effect on the trace element intake of humans.