Daily Mineral Intake Research Articles

Contribution of Snacking to Older Adults' Vitamin, Carotenoid, and Mineral Intakes

Decreased food and beverage consumption among older adults can lead to inadequate intakes of energy and numerous micronutrients. Although older adults are prone to having inadequate diets, little research attention has been directed at their dietary behaviors, such as snacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between snacking frequency and older adults' daily intakes of vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals. Cross-sectional data for 2,056 older adults (65 years and older) from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for this study. Dietary data were collected through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Participants' snacking occasions and daily nutrient intakes were averaged during the two 24-hour recalls. Using linear regression models to adjust for multiple covariates, mean vitamin, carotenoid, and mineral intakes by snacking category were estimated. As snacking frequency increased, daily intakes of vitamins A, C, and E and beta carotene increased. Older adults' daily intakes of magnesium, copper, and potassium also increased as snacking frequency increased. As older adults' snacking frequency increased, their daily intake of selenium decreased, and their snacking frequency was not associated with their daily intakes of the B-complex vitamins, vitamin K, lycopene, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Providing healthy snacks on a regular basis has practical implications for institutions, centers, or organizations that serve older adults; however, nutritional benefits obtained from snack food and beverages warrant their inclusion in older adults' diet.

Essential (Cu) and nonessential (Cd and Pb) metals in ichthyofauna from the coasts of Sinaloa state (SE Gulf of California)

With the aim of giving an overview on concentration and distribution of Cd, Cu, and Pb in fish from the coasts of Sinaloa state (SE Gulf of California), specimens with different feeding habits were collected in five locations. Sampling occurred between June 2003 and March 2004. Metal analyses on fish tissues were made by graphite furnace (Cd, Pb) and flame (Cu) atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal concentrations in tissues of carnivorous fish were grouped together and compared with corresponding concentrations in non-carnivorous fish; Cu and Pb levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in liver of non-carnivorous species. Though no samples exceeded the maximum level set in international legislation for fish, from the perspective of the public health and considering the legal limits of fishery products for human consumption, Cu concentrations were exceeded (in tissues different from muscle) in four carnivorous and five non-carnivorous species according to the Australian legislation. In the case of Cd, two carnivorous species (Pomadasys leuciscus and Caulolatilus princeps) and one non-carnivorous species (Mugil cephalus), showed concentrations over the maximum level of 2 microg g(-1) dry weight considered in the Mexican legislation. Considering average amounts of fish consumption in Mexico, daily mineral intake (DMI) values for Cu and percentage weekly intake (PWI) of Cd and Pb were estimated; none of the analyzed metals in edible portion of analyzed fish could be detrimental to humans.

Vitamin and mineral supplement use by children and adolescents in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: relationship with nutrition, food security, physical activity, and health care access.

To determine if vitamin and mineral supplement use among children and adolescents in the United States is associated with nutrition, food security, physical activity, and health care access. Secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Questionnaires, household interviews, and medical examinations. Children and adolescents 2 to 17 years of age (N = 10 828). Vitamin and mineral supplement use in the past month. Demographics, nutrition, food security, physical activity, and health care access. Approximately 34% (SE 1.2) used vitamin and mineral supplements in the past month, with underweight subjects reporting greater intake. Younger age, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, being born in the United States, higher milk intake, lower total fat and cholesterol intake, higher dietary fiber intake, higher income, greater food security, lower media/computer use, greater physical activity, lower body mass index, health insurance coverage, better health care access, and better self-reported health were associated with greater use of vitamin and mineral supplements. Such supplements contributed significantly to total daily dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals. A large number of US children and adolescents use vitamin and mineral supplements, which for most may not be medically indicated. Such supplements contribute significantly to total dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals, and studies of nutrition should include their assessment. Since vitamin and mineral supplement users report greater health care access, health care providers may be in a position to provide screening and counseling regarding dietary adequacy and indications for supplement use.

Effects of dietary organic and inorganic trace mineral levels on sow reproductive performances and daily mineral intakes over six parities1,2

Dietary trace mineral sources and levels were fed to developing gilts to evaluate their performance responses during the growth phase, but treatments were continued into the reproductive phase in which subsequent reproductive responses were evaluated. In Exp. 1, three groups of gilts (n = 216) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial in a randomized complete block design (6 replicates) with treatment diets initially fed at 30 kg of BW. The first factor was trace mineral source (organic or inorganic), whereas the second factor evaluated dietary levels. The NRC requirement was the first level evaluated, whereas the second level was formulated to average industry standards (IND). Organic trace minerals were mineral proteinates, whereas the inorganic minerals were provided in salt form. The results of Exp. 1 indicated that trace mineral source or level did not affect gilt growth or feed performance responses to 110 kg of BW. Experiment 2 continued with the same females but was a 2 x 3 factorial in a split-plot design using 3 groups of females over a 6-parity period and had a total of 375 farrowings. Factors in Exp. 2 were the same as in Exp. 1, except that 2 additional pens of gilts during their development had been fed the IND level trace mineral levels of both trace mineral sources. At breeding, the gilts from these 2 additional pens were continued on the same trace mineral source and level but fed greater dietary Ca and P levels (IND + Ca:P). Litters were standardized by 3 d postpartum within each farrowing. Sows fed organic trace minerals farrowed more (P < 0.05) total (12.2 vs. 11.3) and live pigs (11.3 vs. 10.6) compared with sows fed inorganic trace minerals. Sows fed the IND + Ca:P level tended to have fewer (P < 0.10) total pigs born for both trace mineral sources. Litter birth weights were heavier (P < 0.05) when sows were fed organic trace minerals, but individual piglet weights were similar. Nursing pig ADG tended to be greater (P < 0.10) when sows were fed organic trace minerals. Other sow reproductive traits (BW, feed intake, and rebreeding interval) were not affected by trace mineral source or level. Daily mineral intake increased by parity but declined when trace mineral intakes were expressed on an amount per kilogram of BW and declined during later lactations. These results suggest that feeding sows organic trace minerals may improve sow reproductive performance, but there were minimal effects on other reproductive measurements.

Essential and toxic metals in nine fish species for human consumption from two coastal lagoons in the Eastern Gulf of California

With the aim of knowing concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn; percentage of daily mineral intake (PMI) for essential elements and percentage of weekly intake (PWI) of toxic metals in commercial fish from 2 coastal lagoons in the Eastern Gulf of California, analyses were carried out in 9 species. Highest values of Cd were detected in the liver of the sharks Sphyrna lewini and Carcharhinus leucas, Pb was mostly detected in the liver of S. lewini; Cu and Mn in the liver and gills of the mullet Mugil cephalus, respectively; Fe in the liver of the catfish Galeichthys peruvianus; and Zn in viscera of the catfish Cathorops fuerthii. From the point of view of public health and considering the edible portion, only in a few cases levels were above limits considered as safe for human consumption, such is the case of Cd in muscle of bull shark C. leucas (2.8 μ g g− 1) and catfish G. peruvianus (1.55 μ g g− 1), Pb in muscle of scalloped hammerhead S. lewini (5.2 μ g g− 1), Cu in muscle of scalloped hammerhead S. lewini (20.6 μ g g− 1) and Zn in muscle of Pacific herring Opisthonema libertate (53 μg g−1) and S. lewini (104 μ g g− 1).

Zinc homeostasis in 1–4 year olds consuming diets typical of US children

Few data have evaluated Zn balance in young children after the first year of life. The objective of the present study was to study the relationships among Zn intake, absorption, endogenous faecal excretion, and retention in a group of healthy children. Thirty children, aged 15-48 months, were studied on a diet representative of their usual daily mineral intake. Zn absorption was assessed using a dual-tracer stable-isotope technique. Endogenous Zn faecal excretion and Cu absorption were determined in a subset of children. We found that Zn intake from the in-patient weighed dietary record (5.0 (SD 2.1) mg/d) was significantly greater than the current estimated average requirement (EAR; 2.5 mg/d; P 0.4, for all). Absolute Zn absorption was significantly related to Zn intake (r2 0.696; P < 0.0001), as was Zn retention (r2 0.506; P < 0.0001). Cu absorption was relatively high (75.1 (sd 10.8) %) despite the high Zn intake. The EAR for Zn based on this dataset would appear to be between 4.2 and 4.7 mg/d to allow for a net average retention of 120 microg/d consistent with growth needs. We concluded that at relatively high Zn intakes there was little evidence of down regulation of absorption or up regulation of urinary or endogenous faecal Zn excretion across the intake range studied. Zn retention was positively correlated with intake. A Zn intake between 4.2 and 4.7 mg/d should meet the requirement for normal growth for this age group.

Biofortification of plant-based food: Enhancing folate levels by metabolic engineering

Humans require a minimum daily intake of essential micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to maintain optimal health. Micronutrient malnutrition, the dietary insufficiency of one or more micronutrients, has far-reaching negative health consequences at all stages of life and was a pervasive health issue for all countries at the turn of the 20th century. Micronutrient malnutrition has been significantly alleviated for those populations in developed countries as a result of programs established in the mid-20th century that fortified processed foods with the necessary micronutrients. Similar fortification efforts have had only modest success in developing countries because an industrial level of agriculture, food-processing, and distribution that is limited or lacking in many of the targeted countries is required. Micronutrient malnutrition thus has remained a widespread and persistent global health problem in developing countries where it continues to exact an enormous toll on individuals, populations, and society (1).

Iron absorption is more closely related to iron status than to daily iron intake in 12- to 48-mo-old children.

Few studies have evaluated iron absorption in small children after the first year of life. Our objectives were to examine the relations among iron intake, iron absorption, and iron status in a group of healthy children. We studied 28 children, ages 12 to 48 mo, after a 7-d home adaptation to a diet representative of their usual daily mineral intake. A multi-tracer stable isotope study was performed to assess iron absorption both from a meal ((58)Fe) and from a reference iron dose ((57)Fe) given with ascorbic acid without a meal. Iron intake was 6.9 +/- 2.4 mg, approximately the 35th percentile of typical U.S. intakes. Absorption of (58)Fe was related to serum ferritin (r(2) = 0.319, P = 0.0018) and more so to reference dose iron absorption (r(2) = 0.653, P < 0.0001). Iron absorption was negatively correlated with zinc intake (r(2) = 0.090, P = 0.0049) but was not correlated with iron intake (P = 0.20). However, zinc intake was not correlated with measures of iron status, including reference dose iron absorption and serum ferritin (r(2) < 0.1, P > 0.25). Total absorbed iron was similar to needs estimated by the Institute of Medicine. We conclude that iron absorption in young children is more closely related to iron status than to iron intake. Reference dose iron absorption may be superior to serum ferritin as a surrogate measure for iron status in this age group. Although zinc intake may affect iron absorption from a meal, it does not appear to have a detectable effect on overall iron status in otherwise well-nourished children.

Longitudinal Patterns of Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Use in Young White Children

Objectives The objective of this article is to report longitudinal patterns of nutrient supplementation in children, to quantify nutrient intakes from supplements and diet, and to examine relationships between supplement use and sociodemographic factors. Design and subjects Subjects were followed prospectively from birth to 24 months with periodic questionnaires on vitamin/mineral supplement use. Food diaries were completed to report food and beverage intake. Estimates of daily intakes of vitamins and minerals were calculated. Fisher’s Exact tests and t tests were used to assess the association of sociodemographic variables with supplement use. Results A substantial proportion of young children used supplements. The prevalence of supplement use increased with age. By the end of 24 months, 31.7% used some supplement. Young supplement users consume supplements regularly, ranging from 40% to 60% of days reported. The majority of young children in this cohort could obtain adequate vitamins and minerals from diet alone for the first 24 months of life. Intakes of some nutrients from diet alone, such as vitamin E and folate, were not sufficient for a large proportion of young children. However, intake above the dietary reference intake was observed for a few nutrients, in particular for vitamin A. Conclusions Use of nutrient supplements is a common behavior during the first 2 years of life. This study shows that most young children obtain adequate nutrients from diet alone. Health professionals should provide recommendations for nutrient supplementation of generally healthy children based on an assessment of their dietary practices.

Individual intake and antiparasitic efficacy of free choice mineral containing fenbendazole for grazing steers

A 95-day study (June 25–September 27, 2001) was conducted using 120 steers (311.9 ± 2.4 kg) randomly allocated to two treatments: (1) mineral containing 0.55% fenbendazole (FBZ) and (2) control, no FBZ in the mineral. Animals in the FBZ group were individually identified by an electronic tag that was read each time an animal attended the mineral feeder. The feeder was equipped with load cells that enabled individual mineral intakes to be estimated. The FBZ group was provided with non-medicated mineral during a 14-day adaptation period (July 23–August 5) and an 8-day post-medication period (September 17–24). The intake of FBZ was monitored for 14 days during each of the two treatment periods; August 6–19 and September 3–16, separated by a 14-day non-medicated period, August 20–September 2. Control animals had access to non-medicated mineral for the entire 95-day study period. All steers were grazed on alfalfa-grass pasture for the duration of the study and had free access to flocculated, filtered and chlorinated water via an automatic waterer. Fecal samples were collected from steers three times during the experiment July 23, August 27 and September 27, and analyzed for nematode eggs and Giardia sp. cysts. Seventy-five and 83% of the steers in the FBZ group visited the mineral feeder during the first and second treatment periods, respectively. Individual daily mineral and FBZ intake for the first and second treatment periods was 52.9 ± 6.6 g per day and 10.1 ± 1.2 mg/kg BW; 72.3 ± 8.4 g per day and 11.8 ± 1.4 mg/kg BW, respectively. FBZ animals were separated into three groups during each treatment period based on the recommended dose (RD) of FBZ (5 mg/kg/BW), those that received >the RD, those that received <RD but >50% RD and those that received <50% of RD. Nematode egg counts and the number of animals infected with nematodes was reduced ( p < 0.05) in all cattle that consumed FBZ as compared to control animals. In contrast to nematode eggs, numbers of Giardia cysts was not reduced ( p > 0.05) by FBZ as compared to controls in either treatment period. These results may be a reflection of Giardia re-infection occurring following treatment and highlight the need for variation in treatment regimes specifically targeted at the parasite of interest.

Mineral content of edible marine seaweeds

Mineral content was determined in several brown ( Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria digitata, Undaria pinnatifida) and red ( Chondrus crispus, Porphyra tenera) edible marine sea vegetables. Seaweeds contained high proportions of ash (21.1–39.3%) and sulphate (1.3–5.9%). In brown algae, ash content (30.1–39.3%) was higher than in red algae (20.6–21.1%). Atomic absorption spectrophotometry of the ashes indicated that marine seaweeds contained higher amounts of both macrominerals (8.083–17,875 mg/100g; Na, K, Ca, Mg) and trace elements (5.1–15.2 mg/100 g; Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), than those reported for edible land plants. Edible brown and red seaweeds could be used as a food supplement to help meet the recommended daily intake of some essential minerals and trace elements.

Free-choice consumption of mineral lick blocks by fattening lambs fed ad libitum alfalfa hay and concentrates with different trace mineral content

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of lambs to regulate intake of mineral lick blocks (MLBs) with different trace mineral content when alfalfa hay and concentrates, also with a different trace mineral content, were available to lambs for ad libitum consumption. Twelve 4-month-old purebred Karagouniko lambs were divided into three groups, pen housed individually, and fed unchopped alfalfa hay and concentrates ad libitum. The three concentrates used consisted of a basal concentrate food supplemented (TM+) or not (TM−) with trace elements and a vitamin premix. This basal food of the third group (3TM) was supplemented with a premix in which the trace minerals added were three times the amount of the control group, TM+. The experiment lasted 66 days. The first 31 days were used as an adaptation period, and from the 32nd day two different MLBs were put in each pen. One of the MLBs was white in colour while the other was light pink and had a three-fold greater trace mineral content compared to the white one. Two weeks following the introduction of the MLBs (adaptation period), the behaviour of lambs was video recorded for 48 h per week for 3 weeks. Food and water intake and MLB consumption were recorded regularly and the Cu and Zn concentrations were determined in the blood plasma and the liver of the lambs. The average daily MLB intake, the number of visits to the MLBs, and the time spent by the lambs licking the MLBs were higher for the group TM− and lower for the 3TM group. However, the daily mineral intake from the ingested MLB represented only a very small proportion of the total mineral intake of the animals. The differences among the groups in plasma and liver Cu and Zn concentrations represented the quantities ingested via the diet rather the MLBs. In conclusion, the results of this experiment did not show clearly that the lambs could regulate the intake of MLB because they failed to exhibit a ‘mineral wisdom’ related to their physiological needs and mineral status.

Simulation of Iranian total mixed diets and their analysis for essential and toxic trace elements using nuclear and complementary analytical techniques

Neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry(ICP-ES) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) have been used to determineactual daily dietary intakes of minerals and trace elements in the Iranianpopulation. This article deals with the trace elemental analysis of dailydiets of the Iranian population differentiated with respect to food habits,geographical variability, literacy and income. Three study groups in fiveregions were defined. Thirty total daily diet samples were prepared basedon the method of dietary records. Also a few samples representing the intakesof two other study groups, males and females, were prepared by the duplicatediet method. Therefore, this study not only covered representative dietarypatterns of almost all adult people in Iran in a pilot study, but it alsopermitted to check the validity of the sampling methodology for total mixeddiet simulation.

Individual intake and antiparasitic efficacy of free choice mineral and fenbendazole in range calves

The current study was conducted to assess the feasibility of fenbendazole (FB) administration to steers in a free choice mineral supplement. Provision of free choice FB reduces the need for handling of animals as well as decreases the level of animal parasitism. Two separate trials were conducted using 400±19 kg Holstein steers ( n=14 and 17) during the months of July and August. Each steer was tagged with a unique electronic identification (EID) ear tag and randomly allocated into one of two groups. The tags worked in conjunction with a mineral feeder equipped with a load cell by registering the steer’s EID number every time the animal entered the electromagnetic field. Individual daily mineral intake and feeding times were determined over two 8-day periods of non-medicated mineral (no FB), separated by a 14-day period of medicated mineral (0.55% FB). Fecal samples were collected at the beginning and end of each trial period and were analyzed for gastrointestinal nematode eggs and Giardia cyst. There was a consistently high level of attendance for the entire experimental period, with the exception of the first six days of the adaptation period. There were three preferential times for visiting the mineral feeder, approximately 07:00, 12:00 and 18:00 h. Individual daily mineral and FB intake was 229±27.21 g/day and 2±0.14 mg/kg BW/day, respectively, for the 14-day drug delivery period. The levels of fecal nematode eggs and Giardia cysts decreased significantly (<0.01) between pre- and post-sampling, with reductions of 92% for nematode eggs and 85% for Giardia cysts. Free choice medication for the control of gastrointestinal parasites is potentially effective, provided that the appropriate drug concentration, adaptation period, intake level and duration of treatment is utilized.

Feeding of complete, extruded feed to mares

Eighteen mares were used in a 92-day feeding trial to evaluate a complete, extruded feed for free choice feeding horses. The mares were assigned at random to one of three treatments as follows: Group A—Control—bahiagrass pasture+complete mineral free choice; Group B—Dry lot —Extruded feed + salt free choice; Group C—Stalled—Extruded feed + salt free choice. The pastured mares were on pasture 24 hours per day and had access to a complete mineral in a fiberglass mineral feeder. The mares fed in dry lot were fed only the extruded feed and salt, both of which were available to them 24 hours per day. The stalled mares were provided access to the extruded feed and salt for 22 hours per day. The other two hours they were turned out into a dry lot paddock for exercise. Fecal samples were collected from each of the mares on the extruded feed for estimation of feed digestibility. The pastured mares gained weight on pasture but lost girth, croup fat and condition score. Feed consumption by the dry lot fed mares peaked at three weeks at about 15.9 kg/animal/d and remained constant for the remainder of the trial. Feed consumption by the stalled mares peaked at 19.1 kg/animal/d but decreased to about 15.9 kg/animal/d during the second month and remained constant for the duration of the trial. Most of the stalled mares experienced some edema of the lower extremities which decreased during the last month of the experiment, probably due to increased activity when they were turned out. One of the stalled mares experienced multiple episodes of colic and was removed from the experiment. At the time of removal, the animal was consuming 22.7 kg of the extruded feed daily. The mares consuming the extruded diet gained more weight, heart girth, croup fat and condition score (P<0.05) than the pastured horses. The mares kept in stalls gained more weight and condition score than the mares fed in dry lot (P <0.05). Average daily mineral intake by groups A, B, and C were 80.2.4.7, and 11.4 g/d, respectively. Digestibilities by the two groups receiving the extruded feed were not different.

The Danish osteoporosis prevention study (DOPS): project design and inclusion of 2000 normal perimenopausal women

Objective: In 1990 we initiated a 20 year, partly randomised study (Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study, DOPS) in order to (a) evaluate clinical, biochemical and osteodensitometric variables as predictors of low bone mass and future osteoporotic fractures, and (b) test the hypothesis, that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) initiated shortly after menopause reduces the risk of later osteoporotic fractures. This report describes study design and baseline characteristics of the DOPS-cohort. Methods: The study design is pragmatic, attempting to mimic the normal clinical situation. Several HRT alternatives are available according to clinical need. It was considered futile, impractical and unethical to use placebo for 20 years. Instead the study focus on hard endpoints (fractures) confirmed by independent persons (peripheral fractures) or by methods which allow investigator blinding (spinal X-rays). Statistical evaluation will focus on intention to treat analyses evaluating the decision of HRT and it’s feasibility. With a compliance of 60% we will have sufficient statistical power (88%) to detect a fracture reduction of 40% in the treatments group. Clinical risk factors, current daily intakes of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, anthropometric variables, biochemical variables (including bone markers and 25-hydroxyvitamin D), regional bone mineral density (BMD) and total body composition were assessed in all participants at entry and at various follow up intervals. Results: 2016 study participants were recruited by direct mailing to a random sample of 45–58 years old women. In the randomised arm 501 were allocated to HRT and 505 to no treatment. In the non-randomised arm 219 preferred HRT and 791 preferred no treatment. Post-randomisation analysis revealed a slight but significant difference in age (50.01 versus 50.44 years) but no difference in menopausal age, prevalence of hysterectomy, educational level, BMI, serum bone alkaline phosphatase, serum osteocalcin, urine hydroxyproline or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In the non-randomised arm women preferring HRT were closer to menopause, had a higher prevalence of hysterectomy, were better educated, were leaner, and had lower bone turnover than the women, who refused HRT. Conclusion: It is possible to include a sufficient number of perimenopausal women in a randomised 20 year study on the antifracture effect of HRT.

Limit-feeding corn as an alternative to hay reduces manure and nutrient output by Holstein cows.

Efficiency of limit-feeding a whole shelled corn-based diet as an alternative to a conventional forage-based diet for nonlactating dairy cattle was determined. Twelve nonlactating, multiparous Holstein cows (initial BW 642+/-50 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Nutrient digestibility, excretion of DM, N, and P, performance of cows, and feed costs were measured. Both diets were formulated to provide equal daily intakes of NE1, protein, vitamins, and minerals, according to National Research Council recommendations. Dry matter intake was restricted by 30% for cows fed the high-corn diet compared with the high-forage diet (6.8 vs 9.6 kg/ d, respectively); therefore, concentrations of nutrients in the high-corn diet were increased to compensate for decreased DMI. Diets were fed once daily, and cows had unlimited access to fresh water. After a 28-d adaptation period, cows were placed in metabolism stalls for a 6-d total collection of feces and urine. The limit-fed, high-corn diet had a 15% greater DM digestibility than the high-forage diet. A 29% decrease in DMI for the high-corn diet vs the high-forage diet resulted in a 40% decrease in fecal DM excretion. Starch digestibility and digestibility of whole corn kernels were not affected (P > or = .62) by diet. Despite similar N intakes, total N excretion was 22% greater (P < .01) for cows fed the high-forage diet than for those limit-fed the high-grain diet. Cow weight and condition score change did not differ (P > .10) between diets. Feed costs were reduced by $.38/d with the high-corn diet vs the high-forage diet. Limit-feeding a corn-based diet is an economically and nutritionally viable alternative to forage-based diets for nonlactating Holstein cows.

Daily intake of essential minerals and metallic micropollutants from foods in France

Daily intakes of essential minerals and metallic micro-pollutants are estimated from foods usually eaten in France. These foods are grouped in nine categories. For essential elements, intake estimates are comparable to the values recommended by the WHO. The cadmium value is lower than the tolerable daily dose. The estimated values are: cobalt 29 μg/day, chromium 98 μg/day, copper 1.5 mg/day, manganese 2.5 mg/day, molybdenum 275 μg/day, zinc 14 mg/day, aluminium 4.2 mg/day, boron 1.6 mg/day, cadmium 27 μg/day and nickel 231 μg/day.

Intakes of Minerals from Diets and Foods: Is There a Need for Concern?

Continuous monitoring of the food supply through the Total Diet Studies allows for the identification of changes and trends in the mineral content of foods resulting from agricultural or manufacturing practices. The studies also allow for the estimation of average daily intakes of minerals and a comparison of these intakes with Recommended Dietary Allowances. The Total Diet Studies use a small number of foods (core foods) to represent the U.S. food supply. The core foods are purchased four times per year, prepared for consumption, and analyzed for 11 nutritional minerals. The food composition data are then merged with food consumption data from national surveys to provide estimates of daily intakes of minerals for selected age-sex groups. Results of the 1982–1991 Total Diet Studies indicated that average intakes of potassium, phosphorus, selenium, iodine and manganese were adequate. Sodium could not be adequately assessed because the studies did not include discretionary salt. Intakes of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper were below recommended intakes for some age-sex groups. Studies based on clinical and biochemical measurements confirm that calcium, iron and zinc are of concern for segments of the U.S. population. There are conflicting opinions about the need for concern for copper and magnesium.

Dietary intakes of students

This paper relies on 24-h dietary recall data from a nationally representative sample of approximately 3350 students to analyze the dietary intakes of students. Most US students eat at least five times during the day, and nearly all eat at least three times per day. The average daily intake of vitamins and minerals at least meets the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). Overall, students consume more food energy on average than recommended, suggesting that some may be at risk of consuming more food energy than is optimal. Students also consume more protein, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium than is recommended for good health. National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participants' mean intakes of most nutrients at lunch meet the program goal of at least one-third of the RDA. NSLP participants, however, consume more fat, saturated fat, and sodium than is recommended. School Breakfast Program (SBP) participants' mean intakes of most nutrients at breakfast also exceed the program goal of one-fourth of the RDA. However, their breakfast intakes of saturated fat as a percentage of food energy, cholesterol, and sodium exceed dietary recommendations.