Daily Mineral Intake Research Articles

Prevalence of Some Heavy Metals in Mango and Pawpaw Found in Dumpsites of Obio/Akpo and Eleme Local Government Areas in River State, Nigeria

Concentrations of six heavy metals Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Mg were investigated in dumpsites and non-dumpsites in parts of Rivers State. Similar sizes of two species of fruits mango (Mangifera indica) and pawpaw (Carica papaya) grown at these sites were used for the study. The levels of heavy metals were also investigated in the topsoil at each site. The samples were prepared and digested with mixture of mineral acids HClO4, HCl, H2SO4 and HNO3. They were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer model 204. The results obtained in mg/Kg showed that heavy metals in mango occurred in the range; Pb (1.34-2.74), Cd (ND - 0.001), Zn (1.09-2.45), Mn (110-178), Cu (2.3-5.20), Mg (0.31-1.73). In paw paw the following were obtained Pb (1.24-1.57), Cd (ND -0.001), Zn (3.84-6.32), Mn (111-115), Cu (2.5-4.11), Mg (1.04-1.84) and in the top soil samples Pb (142-3.66), Cd (ND-0.001), Zn (5.27-8.63), Mn (106-179), Cu (1.24-6.84) and Mg (1.35-1.72). The results revealed that elevated concentrations of heavy metals were obtained in samples from dumpsites when compared to non-dumpsites. The results showed that samples from dumpsites will not be toxic to humans if consumed, as the levels of metals obtained were within standard set by WHO/FAO for daily intake of minerals except for Mn and Pb.

Maternal Nutrition and Birth Weight: Role of Vitamins and Trace Elements

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period of increased metabolic needs. Vitamins, minerals and trace elements are major determinants of the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Objective: To evaluate maternal intakes of vitamins and trace elements in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and assess their effect on birth weight. Materials and methods: A prospective and longitudinal study have been conducted among 226 pregnant women throughout the whole period of pregnancy in the centers of prenatal consultations and follow up in Constantine (Algeria) from December 2013 to June 2016. We analyzed maternal intakes of iron, minerals and vitamins by comparing them to the normally recommended dietary allowances (ANC) and then by multivariate analysis, we studied the correlation between these intakes and birth weight. Statistics were performed using the Statview TM and SPSS software. Results: This study noted the positive effect of some maternal factors on birth weight, such as maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy term. The average daily intake of minerals (iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium) and vitamins (B9, B1 and E) were below the recommended intakes (ANC). In contrast, average intakes of vitamin C in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy corresponded to the ANC. Only magnesium intakes in the first trimester (p=0.02) and vitamin B9 in third one (p=0.004) were significantly correlated with birth weight. Conclusion: Intakes of trace elements and vitamins in our study population are reduced compared to the ANC. The correction of the pregnant women diet is urgently needed. Thus, promoting quality over quantity to avoid deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins which are harmful to the development and fetal growth.

Precursors of age‐related macular degeneration: associations with vitamin A and interaction with CFHY402H in the Inter99 Eye Study

To investigate associations of very early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with daily intake of vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and copper and interactions with AMD-associated polymorphisms in complement factor H (CFHY402H) and ARMS2/LOC387715. Cross-sectional study of 848 subjects aged 30-60years from the Inter99 Eye Study. Daily intake of vitamins and minerals was estimated from a 198-item food frequency questionnaire. Digital fundus photographs were recorded in red-free illumination and graded for macular drusen >63μm and numerous (>20) small hard macular drusen as a mean of both eyes. Higher intake of vitamin A increased the risk of having macular drusen >63μm with odds ratio=1.82 (CI95 1.02-3.24, p=0.042) comparing participants in the highest quartile of vitamin A intake with participants in the lowest quartile, adjusted for recruitment group, age and sex. There was a significant interaction with CFHY402H (p=0.038). Among 504 participants with CFHY402H, the relative risk of having macular drusen >63μm was increased in participants in the highest quartile of vitamin A intake (odds ratio=2.58; CI95 1.16-5.73, p=0.020) and in the second highest quartile (odds ratio=3.27; CI95 1.50-7.13, p=0.0029) compared with the lowest quartile. Further adjusting for total fat intake, energy intake, plasma cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, education and physical activity strengthened the association. In this cross-sectional study, a higher intake of vitamin A increased the risk of macular drusen >63μm in subjects with CFHY402H. The study supports that vitamin A may be a risk factor for early AMD.

Subtropical fruits grown in Spain and elsewhere: A comparison of mineral profiles

Large quantities of essential minerals are present in subtropical fruits, which constitute a valuable, if relatively unknown, source of dietary micronutrients, and consumption of these foods is tending to increase. Our aim in this study was to investigate the mineral composition (Ca, P, Na and K) of Spanish-grown subtropical fruits in comparison with that of similar fruits sourced elsewhere. The contribution of these fruits to total daily mineral intake per capita in Spain and to mineral intake per regular fruit size was also estimated. The results obtained showed the mineral content of the Spanish-origin samples to be comparable to that of those from other countries, except for avocados, in which the concentrations of P and K were noticeably higher in the non-Spanish fruits (530 vs. 196 and 5260 vs. 3664mg/kg, respectively). The contribution of subtropical fruits to daily mineral intake in adults was estimated to be 2–7% for Ca and P, approximately 10% for K and negligible for Na. In conclusion, subtropical fruits of Spanish origin present a balanced mineral composition and the consumption of these fruits is recommended as a means of increasing the intake of essential minerals (especially in a population such as that of Spain, where there is considerable room for improvement in dietary patterns).

Research of quality indicators of a bar made from biologically activated grain of wheat

The parameters of biological activation of wheat brains are proposed and grounded. Experimental studies showed that the content of water-soluble vitamins and vitamin E in wheat brains increases significantly in the process of such activation.The formulation of a grain bar is developed and samples of this bar are examined in laboratory. Correlation of basic components and energy value of a grain bar is estimated. Daily intake of minerals from 100 g of grain bar is calculated.Indices of a grain bar microbiological stability during storage under the different conditions are defined.It is found that the use of plant extracts from horseradish root and a fennel seeds is efficient in sprouting to inhibit growth of microorganisms. Period of storage of biologically activated grain bar under hermetic conditions at 5 degrees °C increases to 10 days.

Lifestyle of Brazilian Adults: Consumers and Non consumers of Yogurt

Objective:To evaluate yogurt consumers and non‐consumers lifestyle in an adult sample of the city of São Paulo.Methods:2557 subjects were divided according to yogurt weekly intake in heavy yogurt consumers (蠅4 times a week) and non/low‐consumers of yogurt (less than once a week), paired by social economic level, age and gender. Trained interviewers collected data in household interviews. After applying a questionnaire about yogurt intake frequency, demographic and socioeconomic classification, those who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated on data about demographic information (education level, marital status and job characteristics), lifestyle characteristics (alcohol intake, smoking habit and level of physical activity), habitual food intake and presence of morbidity. Anthropometric evaluation was also performed.Results:Yogurt consumers had higher educational level, higher frequency of individuals working and/or currently studying, were more physically active at leisure time, and had reduced alcohol use, lower frequency of smoking and lower frequency of sedentary lifestyle, when compared to non‐consumers (p<0.05). Furthermore, yogurt consumers showed significantly higher daily intake of vitamins and minerals when compared to non‐consumers, despite no differences in body composition (p<0.05).ConclusionYogurt consumption is associated with healthier lifestyle in Brazilian adults.

Household food insecurity and dietary intake in Korea: results from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

To examine the prevalence of household food insecurity and compare dietary intake by food security status in a representative Korean population. Cross-sectional. Food security status of households was classified using an eighteen-item food security questionnaire. The nutrition survey comprised questions on dietary habits, a 24 h dietary recall and a semi-quantitative FFQ. The 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 3007 households completed the food security questionnaire. Family members within each household aged ≥1 year (n 7118) participated in the nutrition survey. Results from the 2012 survey indicated that 88.7% of Korean households showed food security. The remaining 11.3% (9.3% for food insecurity without hunger and 2.0% for food insecurity with hunger) were in food-insecure households. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 13.2% in households with children and 10.3% in households without children. Mean daily intakes of energy, fat and carbohydrates were not significantly different between food-secure and food-insecure adults. In contrast, mean daily intakes of protein, crude fibre, vitamins and minerals as well as weekly consumption frequencies of vegetables, seaweeds, fruits, fruit juice, nuts, and milk and milk products were significantly lower in food-insecure adults compared with food-secure adults. The study demonstrated that food insecurity is associated with reduced intakes of healthy foods and nutrients essential for health and growth in a representative Korean population.

Espresso beverages of pure origin coffee: Mineral characterization, contribution for mineral intake and geographical discrimination

Espresso coffee beverages prepared from pure origin roasted ground coffees from the major world growing regions (Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia, India, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Cuba, Timor, Mussulo and China) were characterized and compared in terms of their mineral content. Regular consumption of one cup of espresso contributes to a daily mineral intake varying from 0.002% (sodium; Central America) to 8.73% (potassium; Asia). The mineral profiles of the espresso beverages revealed significant inter- and intra-continental differences. South American pure origin coffees are on average richer in the analyzed elements except for calcium, while samples from Central America have generally lower mineral amounts (except for manganese). Manganese displayed significant differences (p<0.05) among the countries of each characterized continent. Intercontinental and inter-country discrimination between the major world coffee producers were achieved by applying canonical discriminant analysis. Manganese and calcium were found to be the best chemical descriptors for origin.

Metallic Content of One Hundred Medicinal Plants

Heavy metals are necessary for the normal functioning of cells and the survival of organisms. These are required for physiological and biochemical functioning of the body, but at higher concentration they causes the oxidative damage. In fact non-essential metals like (lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd)) are more noxious even at very low concentration. It’s important to note that heavy metals are present in soil, air and water can easily enter into the organisms. Literature highlighted the role of metals like chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in oxidative damage. Fenton chemistry/Haber-Weiss reaction are most extensively studied mechanisms by which heavy metals produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) and ultimately causes oxidative stress. Both redox-active and inactive metals can diminish cellular antioxidant system specifically thiol- containing enzymes and antioxidants and may lead to cellular death. This review will contribute in providing valuable information on metallic contents of selected plants. For the purpose, data has been collected from the literature regarding ten mineral contents (sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn)) of 100 medicinal plants grown in Pakistan. The metallic contents shows that majority of the plants contain optimum values as compared with daily mineral intake standards. However, several factors may account for variations in mineral concentration, which include soil composition, different geographic areas and environmental changes.

10.5937/racter6-5324 = Quality of nutrition analysis among graduating classes of elementary and high school students

Results of numerous studies indicate that young people have improper eating habits. The aim of this study was to determine whether daily intake of vitamins, minerals and energy satisfies nutrition requirements for graduating classes of elementary and high school students. An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 students, including 42 students from graduating class of an elementary school and 42 students from graduating class of a high school. The students were asked to write the amount and composition of food consumed over a week, their age, body weight and height. 'USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 25' was used to calculate daily intake of vitamins, minerals and energy. Comparison was made with respect to recommendations of Dietary Reference Intake of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, US National Academy of Science. The mean, standard deviation and percentiles of daily intake of certain nutrients were determined. For nutrients for which there was defined value of Estimated Average Requirement the results are presented as percentages of individuals with intakes less than the Estimated Average Requirement as estimates of the prevalence of inadequacy, whereas for nutrients for which only Adequate Intake was defined the results are presented as percentages of individuals with intakes at or greater than the Adeqate Intake. Assessment of adequacy of energy intake was done with respect to calculated Estimated Energy Requirement for each participant in the study. It was shown that 47.6% of elementary and 38.1% of high school students have adequate energy intake. Daily intake of students from both elementary and high school does not meet the dietary recommendations for magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and liposoluble vitamins A, D, E and K. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of proper nutrition. There is a need for increased intake of milk, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables among the elementary and high school students in order to satisfy daily nutritional requirements.

English

The aim of this study was to determine elemental constituent of microalgal biomass Spirulina platensis LEB-18 grown on the shores of Mangueira Lagoon, South of Brazil. The spread of inoculum was performed in standard Zarrouk medium. When the microalgae concentration reached 0.50 g L-1, the biomass was separated by filtration and dried in a tray dryer at 50°C for 5 h. The harvested biomass was then ground in a ball mill, sieved to achieve a particle size of 88 µm (~ 300 mg) in triplicate, digested with concentrated HNO3 and diluted with up to 5% HNO3 for subsequent quantification. Mineral content was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with axial view and other nutrients by standard methods. Among the macro minerals, in μg g-1 ± standard deviation, calcium (15.108±529), sodium (14.6552±485) and potassium (14.036±109) were found in the largest amount. The micro mineral present in greater quantity, in μg g-1 ± standard deviation, was the iron (956±9) and nutrients present in the following order: protein (58.5%), ash (12.0%), carbohydrate (7.5%), lipid (7.0%) and crude fiber (0.95%). Results were compared with the values of minerals for human consumption recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and also with the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of minerals by Brazilian Legislation. The findings proved promising for the use of S. platensis strain LEB-18 as an alternative source of essential minerals and other nutrients for the human body. Key words: Cyanobacterium, chemical element, nutritional importance, optical emission spectrometry.

Evaluation of bioactive amine and mineral levels in Turkish coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks across the world and its enormous commercial and social importance is obvious. The levels of nine bioactive amines and five minerals, as well as pH, color, total ash and dry matter characteristics, were determined in different brands of ground and brewed Turkish coffees for the first time. Turkish coffee is a method of preparation, not a kind of coffee. Furthermore, this paper reported the estimated daily mineral intake of five elements. The amines were extracted with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and quantified by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), pre-column derivatization with benzoyl chloride. Of the nine bioactive amines under study putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and serotonin were detected in all coffee samples. Serotonin was the prevailing bioactive amine in both ground and brewed coffees. The total amine levels in the ground coffee varied from 126.0mg/kg to 352.2mg/kg. The total amine levels in the brewed coffee varied from 5.679mg/L to 48.88mg/L. The concentrations of five minerals (Mg, Mn, Zn, Na, K) were determined after dry mineralization of both ground and brewed coffee samples. The total mineral contents were analyzed by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-FAAS). Potassium was the prevailing mineral in both ground and brewed coffees. The mean total mineral contents of ground and brewed coffees were 12673.2mg/kg and 1014.8mg/L, respectively. Significant differences were obtained between bioactive amines, minerals (except Na), color values (L*, a*, b*), total ash and total dry matter contents of ground and brewed Turkish coffee samples (P<0.05).

Levels of major, minor and toxic metals in tubers and flour of Dioscorea abyssinica grown in Ethiopia.

Dioscorea abyssinica , commonly known as yam, is an indigenous plant in Ethiopia. Its root tuber is used as staple and co-staple food in South Nation Nationality People and Regional State of Ethiopia. This study was carried out to analyze the selected mineral nutrients in the tuber and flour of D. abyssinica grown in different parts of the country for human consumption. Samples collected from five different areas were analyzed for eleven metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr Ni, Cd and Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and two metals (K and Na) by flame emission spectrometry. Known weight of oven-dried sample was wet-digested using 3 mL of (69–72%) HNO3 and 1 mL of (70%) HClO4, for 2 h at variable temperature (120–270 oC). The validity of the optimized procedure was evaluated by the analysis of spiked samples whose recovery was in the range of 92–105%. The mean concentration range (in ig/g) of each metal in D. abyssinica samples were K (8,469–13,914), Na (133–405), Ca (172–448), Mg (180–354), Fe (28.3–144.5), Mn (12.0–14.5), Zn (12.3–44.5), Cu (7.26–17.6), Co (1.91–8.68), Cr (0.86–3.41) and Ni (2.43–5.31). D.abyssinica could be good sources of essential trace metals to the individuals, more particularly Fe and Zn were higher than the entire trace metals in the samples investigated while Cd and Pb were in minor quantities and hence the plant is free from toxic heavy metals. Consuming 100 g of this tuber per day contribute the following concentration range of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Cr in mg/100 g per day: 2.8–14.4, 1.2–4.5, 0.73–1.8, ND–1.5, ND–0.87, 0.24–0.53 and 0.09–0.34 mg/100 g,respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that significant variations in metal concentrations among the sampling sites were observed for some of the metals when pair wise test was made while insignificant variation were seen for the remaining metals. D. abyssinica could be a better source of K, Ca, Fe and Zn to human compared to the common cereal flours (barley, wheat and red teff flour) as well as tuber food products like potato, cassava, yam, and enset ( Ensete ventricosum ), while it could be an alternative source of the other essential mineral nutrients to the individual daily mineral intake. Key words : Root tuber, Dioscorea abyssinica, metals, Ethiopia

Levels of major, minor and toxic metals in tubers and flour of Dioscorea abyssinica grown in Ethiopia

Dioscorea abyssinica, commonly known as yam, is an indigenous plant in Ethiopia. Its root tuber is used as staple and co-staple food in South Nation Nationality People and Regional State of Ethiopia. This study was carried out to analyze the selected mineral nutrients in the tuber and flour of D. abyssinica grown in different parts of the country for human consumption. Samples collected from five different areas were analyzed for eleven metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr Ni, Cd and Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and two metals (K and Na) by flame emission spectrometry. Known weight of oven-dried sample was wet-digested using 3 mL of (69–72%) HNO3 and 1 mL of (70%) HClO4, for 2 h at variable temperature (120–270 oC). The validity of the optimized procedure was evaluated by the analysis of spiked samples whose recovery was in the range of 92–105%. The mean concentration range (in μg/g) of each metal in D. abyssinica samples were K (8,469–13,914), Na (133–405), Ca (172–448), Mg (180–354), Fe (28.3–144.5), Mn (12.0–14.5), Zn (12.3–44.5), Cu (7.26–17.6), Co (1.91–8.68), Cr (0.86–3.41) and Ni (2.43–5.31). D.abyssinica could be good sources of essential trace metals to the individuals, more particularly Fe and Zn were higher than the entire trace metals in the samples investigated while Cd and Pb were in minor quantities and hence the plant is free from toxic heavy metals. Consuming 100 g of this tuber per day contribute the following concentration range of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Cr in mg/100 g per day:2.8–14.4, 1.2–4.5, 0.73–1.8, ND–1.5, ND–0.87, 0.24–0.53 and 0.09–0.34 mg/100 g, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that significant variations in metal concentrations among the sampling sites were observed for some of the metals when pair wise test was made while insignificant variation were seen for the remaining metals. D. abyssinica could be a better source of K, Ca, Fe and Zn to human compared to the common cereal flours (barley, wheat and red teff flour) as well as tuber food products like potato, cassava, yam, and enset (Ensete ventricosum), while it could be an alternative source of the other essential mineral nutrients to the individual daily mineral intake.

Mineral concentrations in diets, water, and milk and their value in estimating on-farm excretion of manure minerals in lactating dairy cows

Thirty-nine commercial dairies in Merced County, California were enrolled in the present study to (1) compare lactating cow mineral intakes (via drinking water and total mixed ration) to the National Research Council (NRC) requirements, (2) evaluate the association between dietary concentrations of minerals with and without drinking water and adjusted for mineral concentrations in milk, and (3) compare 4 different methods to estimate excretion of minerals using either assays or estimations of milk mineral outputs and total daily mineral intake per cow with or without minerals coming from drinking water. Dairies were selected to represent a range of herd milk yields and a range of water mineral contents. Samples of total mixed ration, drinking water, and bulk tank milk were taken on 2 different days, 3 to 7d apart in each farm. Across-farm medians and percentile distributions were used to analyze results. The herd median milk yield interquartile ranged (10th to 90th percentile) from less than 25 to more than 39 kg/d and the concentration of total solids in water interquartile ranged from less than 200 to more than 1,490mg/L. Including drinking water minerals in the diets increased dietary concentrations by <4% for all minerals except for Na and Cl, which increased by 9.3 and 6.5%, respectively. Concentrations of P and K in milk were essentially the same as the NRC value to estimate lactation requirements. However, NRC milk values of Ca, Cl, and Zn were 10 to 20% greater than dairy farm values; and Na, Cu, Fe, and Mn were no less than 36% below NRC values. Estimated excretion of minerals via manure varied substantially across farms. Farms in the 10th percentile did have 2 to 3 times less estimated mineral excretions than those in the 90th percentile (depending on the mineral). Although including water minerals increased excretion of most minerals, the actual median effect of Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, and Mn was less than 5%, and about 8% for Na and Cl. Replacing assayed concentrations of minerals in milk with NRC constants resulted in reduced estimated excretion of Ca, Na, Cu, Fe, and Zn, but median differences were <5% except for Na which was 7.5%. Results indicate that not including mineral intake via drinking water and not using assayed concentrations of milk minerals lead to errors in estimation manure excretion of minerals (e.g., Ca, Na, Cl, and S).

A survey on daily physical activity level, energy expenditure and dietary energy intake by university students in Chungnam Province in Korea

This study investigated the daily physical activity level, energy expenditure, energy balance, and body composition and their relationship with university students. The participants were 130 male students (19.5 ± 0.5 yrs) and 139 female students (19.5 ± 0.3 yrs) at a university in Chungnam province. Physical activity level was evaluated by an equation based on 24 hr-activity record and dietary nutrient intake was evaluated using the food record method during a three-day period consisting of two week days and one weekend. Body composition was measured using Inbody 430 (Biospace Co., Cheonan, Korea). As a result, mean body mass index (BMI) of subjects indicated that they had normal weight, however mean body fat ratio was 19.1 ± 5.4% for males and 28.4 ± 5.0% for females, indicating that they had higher than normal weight. Daily mean physical activity level was 1.55 for males and 1.47 for females, which was regarded as ‘low active’, respectively. Females had more light activity than males (p ＜ 0.01). Daily mean energy expenditure was 2,803.5 ± 788.9 kcal/d for males and 1,915.4 ± 510.2 kcal/d for females (p ＜ 0.001). Daily mean dietary energy intake was 2,327.0 ± 562.5 kcal/d for males and 1,802.1 ± 523.6/d for females (p ＜ 0.001), and daily mean energy balance was -476.5 ± 955.9 kcal/d for males and -113.3 ± 728.1 kcal/d for females (p ＜ 0.01). Daily mean dietary intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, except Ca, satisfied recommended nutrient intake. Daily energy expenditure was positively related to body weight (p ＜ 0.01), BMI (p ＜ 0.01), and fat free mass ratio (p ＜ 0.05), but was negatively related to body fat ratio (p ＜ 0.01). In conclusion, subjects had a negative energy balance and low physical activity. They had a normal weight by BMI but had a more fat than normal weight by body fat ratio. This appears to be related to their low physical activity. Thus, nutrition education should be provided for university students in order to increase their physical activity for maintenance of normal weight by body composition and health promotion.

Effect of Feeding Mopane Worm Meal on Mineral Intake, Retention and Utilization in Guinea Fowl under Intensive System

This study investigated the mineral intake, utilization and retention of guinea fowl fed varying levels of mopane worm meal as a protein source under intensive system up to 13 weeks of age. Ninety-six day old keets were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments each having four replicates (n = 6/replicate). The four treatments were 3% fishmeal (control), 4.5% mopane worm meal, 9% mopane worm meal and 13.5% mopane worm meal. At 7 and 13 weeks of age, blood and faecal samples were collected from three randomly selected birds from each replicate and analyzed for minerals. At 13 weeks of age, all birds were sacrificed and left tibiae collected for determination of bone physical dimensions and mineral composition. Meat samples were collected from the thighs and decomposed by microwave digestion and analyzed for various minerals. Data were regarded as a split plot design with four dietary treatments and analyzed using the General Linear Model Procedures in Statistical Analysis System. Dietary treatment had no significant (P>0.05) effect on bone length. Bone weights for birds fed 9% mopane worm meal and bone widths for birds fed 4.5% mopane worm meal had lower weights (5.96 g) and widths (5.79 mm) than the other three treatments which did not differ significantly from each other. Bone mineral composition of guinea fowl fed diets with 4.5% mopane meal had significantly higher P (353.62 mg/l), Na (1332.96 mg/l) and K (1841 mg/l) contents than other treatment diets where the control and 13.5% mopane worm meal diets did not differ significantly. Generally, meat and blood mineral compositions of guinea fowl fed 4.5% mopane worm meal were higher than those fed on 13.5% mopane worm meal diet whilst control and 9% mopane worm meal were the same. Dietary treatments and age had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the daily mineral intake, faecal excretions and retention as percentage of mineral intake. Blood mineral composition and mineral retention increased with age as more minerals were required to support growth. Diets containing 3% fishmeal, 4.5% mopane meal and 9% mopane meal generally promote higher mineral intakes, bone physical development, bone and meat mineral compositions and retentions compared to 13.5% mopane worm meal. Results from the present study suggest that mopane worm meal can replace fishmeal up to 9% without negatively affecting mineral intake, retention and utilization.

210Po Activity and Concentrations of Selected Trace Elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) in the Muscle Tissue of Tunas Thunnus albacares and Katsuwonus pelamis from the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Daily mineral intake (DMI) of Cu and Zn, percentage weekly intake (PWI) of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and doses of (210)Po were estimated by using their elemental concentration in muscle of two tuna species and the average tuna consumption in Mexico. Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of As (1.38 μg g(-1) dw) and Cu (1.85 μg g(-1) dw) than yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares, whereas Pb concentrations (0.18 μg g(-1) dw) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in T. albacares. The sequence of elemental concentrations in both species was Zn > Cu > As > Hg > Pb > Cd. In T. albacares, concentrations of Cd and Pb in muscle tissue were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with weight of specimens, while Cu was negatively correlated. DMI values were below 10 %. PWI figures (<2 %) are not potentially harmful to human health. (210)Po concentration in T. albacares and K. pelamis accounts for 13.5 to 89.7 % of the median individual annual dose (7.1 μSv) from consumption of marine fish and shellfish for the world population.

Essential and trace elements content of commercial infant foods in the UK

There is a paucity of data in respect of the nutritional quality of complementary foods for infants and young children aged between 6 and 12months. The primary objective of this study was to examine nutritive values of such complementary infant food on the UK market in order to ascertain their suitability relative to dietary guidelines for the 6–9months age group. Quantitative analyses were conducted on eight different products representing four popular brands (meat and vegetable based) currently on sale in the UK. Eight major mineral and trace elements, namely: calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, sodium and selenium were measured by ICP–OES and ICP–MS. The results of these studies were referenced to the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) values for 6–9months old children, and a menu of entire daily intake of minerals and trace elements was composed taking into consideration the nutrient and energy intake from milk consumption. Based on these comparisons, all the food samples studied in this work contained less essential minerals than expected from the RNI values except for potassium in meat and vegetable based recipes. These results suggest that commercial complementary infant foods on the UK market may not contain the minimum levels of minerals required for the labelling declaration of micronutrient content (Commission Directive 2006/125/EC). This provides opportunities and scope for product optimisation to improve their nutritive value.

Survey on the Patterns of Fortified Food Consumption and Intake of Vitamins and Minerals in Fortified Foods by Elementary School and Middle-School Students in Korea

This study was performed to investigate patterns of fortified food (FF) consumption and intake of vitamins and minerals from FFs among 577 Korean children (12.4 years of age) who attended elementary or middle school. FFs eaten by children as a snack were surveyed using the food record method during 3 days, including 2 week days and one weekend. As a result, 114 FF items were eaten by the children, and several kinds of nutrients such as vitamin A, D, E, B complex, C, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were fortified in these foods. Ca-FFs (65.8%) were most frequently consumed, followed by vitamin C-FFs (33.4%) and vitamin D-FFs (33.3%). The number of FF items in each food group was the most in the milk group (n=24, 21.0%), followed by the beverage group (n=19, 16.7%), and the cookie/bread/cake group (n=17, 14.9%). Fortified nutrients in FFs were in various combinations, but the major combination patterns were Ca, Ca plus vitamins, Ca plus vitamins plus other minerals, and Ca plus other minerals. Daily mean intakes of vitamins and minerals from the FFs were 66-300% more than those of the recommended nutrient intake (RNI ) or adequate intake (AI) for most vitamins and minerals. Daily maximum intakes (95th percentile) of vitamins and minerals from FFs were 1-15 times the RNI or AI for most vitamins and minerals. Vitamin and mineral consumption ratios from each FF group were different according to the kind of fortified nutrient. For example, vitamin C was mostly eaten in fortified beverages (46-54%), and Fe was mostly eaten in fortified cookie/breads/cakes (87%). The above results show that FF consumption varied widely among the children, and that most of the children's foods were fortified with several vitamins and minerals without a common rule; thus, subjects risked over consuming vitamins and minerals by eating FFs. Therefore, practical guideline on FF use for children's optimal nutrition and health should be provided through nutrition education.