Dietary Mineral Intake Research Articles

Dietary intake of trace elements, minerals and vitamins among severely malnourished children and its interrelationship with nutritional status: A prospective study

Dietary deficiency of trace elements, minerals and vitamins has been associated with severe malnutrition among young children. Although levels of severe malnutrition among children are high in developing countries, data on dietary intake of trace elements, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients by severely malnourished (SMN) children are limited. The present prospective study was conducted for a period of 12 months in order to assess the intake of trace elements, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients by SMN children and its possible interrelationship with their nutritional status. The nutritional status of 1643 children in the age group of 6 months to < 6 years, registered at 50 Anganwadi centres at district Alwar and Bharatpur in Rajasthan in India, was assessed using weight-for-age criteria. A total of 150 children were identified as severely malnourished. Mothers of 130 of the children consented to their children's participation in the study. At the end of 12 months, full data was available for 60 of the 130 SMN children. The nutritional status and intake of trace elements, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients of the 60 SMN children were analysed at monthly follow-up visits. Results revealed that there was an increase in the intake of trace elements, minerals and other nutrients during the follow-up period as compared to the baseline survey. However, in all of the follow-up visits, an overall deficient intake of all of the trace elements, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients was observed in the SMN children except for protein, calcium and magnesium. Out of 60 children, 35 moved to higher nutritional grades. It was found that the intake of trace elements, minerals, vitamin and macro-nutrients was higher among children whose nutritional status improved as compared with the group that remained in the severe malnutrition category. The present study highlights that the existence of multiple trace element and vitamin deficiencies in the diets of SMN children could play a role in the severe malnutrition of these children.

Advances in the treatment of hypertension.

Nonpharmacological Treatment of Hypertension The JNC VI paid much more attention than have previous JNC reports to nonpharmacological treatment of hypertension, particularly the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The traditional recommendations for controlling blood pressure by dietary means are to restrict salt and to lose weight. However, vegetarians generally have low blood pressure, and there is some evidence, albeit inconsistent, that dietary supplementation with potassium, calcium, and magnesium may also have beneficial effects on blood pressure. The DASH study showed that a combination diet rich in fruits and vegetables and in which saturated fat was replaced by low-fat dairy products produced a greater reduction of blood pressure than did the intervention in most other dietary studies. The DASH diet has high potassium, calcium, and magnesium content but is not low in sodium. One reason for this may have been that it was a “feeding” study rather than a “counseling” study—the subjects were provided with all their meals. Apart from its inclusion of low-fat dairy products, the DASH diet resembled the Mediterranean diet, which has gained support as the ideal diet for general health. What is particularly exciting about the DASH diet is that it may have benefits beyond lowering blood pressure. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been tested in only 1 experimental human study, the Lyon Diet Heart Study, which found that deaths from both cardiovascular disease and cancer are reduced in subjects consuming the Mediterranean diet. Further indirect evidence for benefits from the DASH diet beyond blood pressure reduction comes from a prospective study of the relationships between the dietary intake of minerals and stroke performed in 43 738 men who were participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The intake of potassium, magnesium, and fiber (but not of sodium or calcium) was inversely associated with the risk of stroke during an 8-year follow-up period. The DASH diet had the same amount of potassium, magnesium, and fiber as the highest quintiles of intake reported in the Health Professionals Study. Another important study of the nonpharmacological treatment of hypertension was the Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in the Elderly (TONE). Most of the trials of the effects of salt restriction and weight loss on blood pressure have been conducted in middle-aged people, although there is evidence that older people may be salt sensitive. TONE showed that modest salt restriction and weight loss enables a substantial number of elderly hypertensive patients to discontinue antihypertensive medication.

Determination of mineral contents in different kinds of milk and estimation of dietary intake in infants

Concentrations of 11 minerals were determined in six kinds of milk (cow's milk‐based formulae, breast‐milk, soya milk, bottled milk, dried milk and evaporated milk). The contents of copper, magnesium, molybdenum, aluminium, barium and nickel were higher in soya milk than in any other kinds of milk. Except for nickel in soya milk, the dietary intakes of minerals were below or close to the intake recommended by the FAO/WHO.

Influence of lifestyle on the use of supplements in the Brandenburg nutrition and cancer study

Differences in dietary habits and lifestyle factors associated with a high dietary intake of fruit and vegetables are discussed and used to explain the disparity between results of observational epidemiologic studies consistently showing antioxidative vitamins to exert a protective effect on chronic diseases, and intervention studies so far not confirming this association. Within the scope of the "Brandenburger Ernährungs- und Krebsstudie", the East German contribution to the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), we examined whether study participants using supplements on a regular basis--minerals, vitamins, protein formulation, bran/linseed, fiber, yeast or garlic pills--differed from those who did not report use of supplements according to selected lifestyle factors and dietary intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, cholesterol, and fat from food. The study sample consisted of 10,522 participants (4,500 men and 6,022 women) aged 35-65 years enrolled in the cohort from January 1995 to July 1996. Regular intake of one or more supplements during the past year was reported by 32.6% of women and 25.5% of men. Vitamin supplements were used by 18.8% of the women and 15.8% of the men. Figures for minerals were 14.2% for women and 8.6% for men, respectively. Garlic pills were taken regularly by 9.7% of men and 9.3% of women. Prevalence of supplement use was generally higher in women and was more pronounced in elderly participants. The most frequently used combinations were vitamin and mineral supplements, followed by a combination of garlic and either vitamin or mineral supplements. Increased use of supplements was significantly associated with higher level of education attained, regular engagement in sporting activities, health complaints, and dietary change during the previous year. No association between use of supplements and smoking status nor elevated alcohol consumption was observed. Body mass index above 30 was significantly related to increased intake of garlic pills, and in women to significantly increased use of vitamin and mineral supplements. For both men and women, age-adjusted consumption of fruit and vegetables and intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from food was higher for participants using mineral but also vitamin supplements compared to those who did not use these supplements. For the cohort of the "Brandenburger Ernährungs- und Krebsstudie" we observed on the one hand that age, gender, and health-conscious lifestyle factors were related to supplement use. On the other hand presence of subjective health complaints was related to supplement use, especially for use of vitamins and minerals. Participants, who regularly consumed minerals and vitamins were also shown to have a higher intake of foods and nutrients considered to exert an antioxidative effect.

Role of adequate dietary calcium intake in the prevention and management of salt-sensitive hypertension

During the past decade, a credible body of evidence has emerged supporting the concept that maintaining an adequate dietary mineral intake, specifically of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, protects against high blood pressure in humans. Observational and interventional studies in humans and extensive use of laboratory models showed that a significant portion of blood pressure variability in response to sodium chloride can be linked to the adequacy of the mineral content of the diet. This review summarizes the observational data from several large databases showing that when adults meet or exceed the recommended dietary allowances of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, the simultaneous ingestion of a diet high in sodium chloride is not associated with elevated arterial pressure. In fact, a higher sodium chloride intake in these adults is most likely associated with the lowest blood pressure in the society. This interaction between adequacy of mineral intake and protection against salt sensitivity in humans provides an important opportunity for further improving blood pressure control in our society. Educating individuals to maintain, on a daily basis, adequate intakes of calcium, potassium, and magnesium rather than limit their sodium chloride is a viable health recommendation that individuals can implement to reduce their risk of sodium chloride-induced hypertension.

Intake of vitamins and minerals in stable hemodialysis patients as determined by 9-day food records

Objective: To determine the dietary intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements in a chronic hemodialysis population. Setting: University-owned chronic hemodialysis center. Patients: Twenty-five patients dialyzed with cellulose acetate or cellulose membranes. The average Kt V was 1.18 ± .12, the mean caloric intake was 1656 ± 538 kcal/d and the mean protein intake was 61.1 ± 17.2 g/d (.86 ± .22 g/kg/ideal body wt). Data source: Nine-day food record histories. Results: The mean daily intake of most water-soluble vitamins was less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA), with the most deficient intakes observed for vitamin B 6 (64% of RDA) and riboflavin (84% of RDA). Only mean vitamin B 12 intake was greater than the RDA. For the fat soluble vitamins the mean intake of both vitamins A and E was less than the RDA (63% and 73%, respectively). Mean iron intake was 101% of the RDA, whereas mean zinc intake was only 60% of the RDA. Intake of folic acid was greater in our patients compared with previous studies in Australian, Danish, and British patients. In addition, intake of thiamine and vitamins B 6 and C was higher, and intake of niacin was lower in our patients compared with Australian patients. Conclusion: There is marked variability in the intake of vitamins and minerals in chronic hemodialysis patients. Careful attention should be paid to regional and national differences in dietary intake of vitamins, trace elements, and minerals in hemodialysis patients.

Nutritional Status and Lipld Profiles of Trained Steroid-Using Bodybuilders

Fourteen trained male anabolic steroid-using bodybuilders (SBBs) (19-41 years) were recruited for the study. Three-day diet records were obtained from SBBs and analyzed. A resting venous blood sample was drawn, and serum/plasma was subsequently analyzed for various nutritionally related factors. Results showed that mean dietary energy (4,469 +/- 1,406 kcal), protein 252 +/- 109 g), and vitamin and mineral intakes of SBBs greatly exceeded U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowances. Dietary cholesterol intake was 2.8 times the recommended levels. Mean serum/plasma nutrient concentrations of SBBs were within normal range. However, individual SBBs had a number of serum/plasma values outside of the normal or recommended range, the most notable of which was hypercalcemia, which was present in 42% of SBBs. Serum/plasma lipids were such as to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in these subjects.

Functional Changes Appropriate for Determining Mineral Element Requirements

One factor limiting efforts to determine human requirements for dietary intakes of mineral elements has been the unavailability of acceptable standards for evaluating the effects of marginal and mild deficiencies. Traditional approaches, such as growth, longevity, chemical balance and measurement of concentrations of minerals in plasma or serum and cellular components of the blood, have not been sensitive indicators of mineral nutriture. One alternative that has been shown to be responsive to graded dietary mineral intake is the evaluation of functional responses to specific challenges or stressors. Aberrant responses, either exaggerated or attenuated, to controlled stressors have been observed in a variety of physiological, psychological and immunological parameters when mineral intakes have been suboptimal by conventional standards, compared with adequate responses. In comparison to static biochemical approaches for assessment of mineral nutritional status, functional tests may be sensitive and responsive to alterations in mineral intake in adult humans. Dynamic functional measures complement static biochemical measures and reflect the net effect of deficiencies on integrated biological systems. The application of some of these types of dynamic evaluations of function may be a useful and productive approach for proposing mineral element intakes to optimize human health and biological function and performance.

Organic trace minerals in ruminant nutrition

This paper defines the various types (complexes, amino acid chelates and proteinates) of organic trace minerals commercially available and reviews research regarding their bioavailability and effects on physiological responses in ruminants. The addition of one or more organic trace minerals to cattle diets has increased growth, milk production, reproduction and/or immune response in some studies. It is not possible to determine from some of the studies if the responses observed were due to the organic mineral(s) per se or simply to increased dietary mineral intake. Zinc methionine has been studied to the greatest extent of any of the chelated or metal complex products available. The mode of action of trace mineral chelates or complexes is largely unknown. Based on apparent absorption or tissue and blood concentrations, little evidence is available to suggest that organic trace minerals are considerably better absorbed than inorganic forms. In explaining the beneficial responses to certain organic trace minerals, the quantity of mineral absorbed may not be as important as the form of the mineral absorbed. Further studies with organic trace minerals are needed to better define conditions where performance or health responses may be expected and to determine the mode of action whereby organic trace mineral supplements improve ruminant performance.

Correlates of high-fat/low-nutrient-dense snack consumption among adolescents: results from two national health surveys.

Snacking has long been considered a chief characteristic of the adolescent lifestyle. Studies have shown that between 60% and 87% of all U.S. adolescents consume at least one snack per day, with a range of one to seven snacks daily. 1-3 According to a national survey, 4 the top snacks selected by teens include potato chips, ice cream, candy, cookies, breakfast cereal, popcorn, crackers, soup, cake, and carbonated beverages. Fruits and vegetables are chosen less often at snack time than are other food categories? In general for adolescents, meals have been found to have greater nutrient density for key nutrients compared with snacks. Studies have also shown between one fourth and one third of the energy intake of adolescents comes from snacks. Recently, comparison of periodic national surveys has suggested that foods eaten between meals are making an increasing contribution to total food intake among all age groups. 1’2 Concern has been expressed about the quality of the teenage diet. Dietary excesses of fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium are common among U.S. adolescents and are found in all income and ethnic groups and both sexes. ~,6 In addition, inadequate dietary intakes of certain vitamins (folate, A, E, B6) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc,

Relationship between mineral nutrition of the beef cow and reproductive performance

Maintaining fertility in beef cattle requires adequate dietary intake and absorption of essential minerals. The minerals are necessary for normal function of various enzyme systems. Feeding a diet deficient in a single mineral can negatively affect reproduction in beef cows and bulls. The influence of an iodine, copper, zinc or manganese deficiency on fertility is summarized in Table 5. When evaluating cattle diets for the different stages of production, levels and interactions of minerals should be considered. If a deficiency is evident, then supplementing to meet the animal's requirement could have a positive impact on reproduction and profitability for the beef cattle producer.

Comparisons of Dietary Intake and Sources of Fat in Low- and High-Fat Diets of 18- to 24-Year-Olds

Objective To determine the sources of fat in the diets of 18-to 24-year-olds and to identify the food group choices of those consuming 30% of energy or less from fat. Design This study compared the fat intake, nutrient intake, and food group choices of young men and women consuming 30% or less or more than 30% of energy from fat. Subjects The 1989-1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) provided the study sample of 1,062 (436 men and 626 women) 18- to 24-year-olds residing in the 48 coterminous states who completed one 24-hour food recall and two 1-day food records. Main outcome measures Dietary fat, vitamin, mineral, and food group intakes were determined by analysis of the 24-hour food recalls and the 1-day food records. Statistical analysis performed t Tests were used to detect differences in nutrient and food group intakes between the two groups for both men and women. Results More than 75% of the sample consumed more than 30% of energy from fat. The men and women who consumed low-fat diets did so by choosing more low-fat dairy products, fruits, and grains. Men who consumed low-fat diets consumed significantly more alcohol than other men; women who consumed low-fat diets showed a similar trend although the difference was not statistically significant. Although men and women who consumed a high-fat diet did consume significantly greater amounts of fat and cholesterol, they also fared better in vitamin and mineral intake. Conclusions A minority of young adults consumed 30% or less of energy from fat. Compared with those who consumed more than 30% of energy from fat, men consumed significantly greater mean amounts of vitamin C and folate, and women consumed significantly greater mean amounts of vitamin A and folate. Young adults who consumed more than 30% of energy from fat exceeded current recommendations for dietary fat intake; however, the men were less likely to be at risk for calcium deficiency and the women were less likely to be at risk for vitamin E and zinc deficiencies. Because excess dietary fat and alcohol can lead to chronic disease, dietitians should continue to educate people about the relationship between nutrition and health. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:893-897.

The relationship between calcium, phosphorus, and sodium intake, race, and blood pressure in children with renal insufficiency

Nutritional data compiled during the Growth Failure in Children with Renal Diseases Clinical Trial were analyzed to determine the relationship between the dietary intake of divalent minerals and sodium, nutritional status, and serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations and blood pressure in black versus white children. One hundred eighteen patients are included in this report; 25 were black (21%) and 93 were white (79%). Although more of the blacks were male, the age distribution, midarm circumference, midarm muscle circumference, blood pressure, and serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH concentrations were comparable in the two groups. Phosphorus intake was within the recommended daily allowance in both groups; in contrast, calcium intake was inadequate in all patients: 81% of the recommended daily allowance in whites, and 74% in blacks. Sixteen children were noted to be hypertensive during the observation period; six patients were receiving a variety of antihypertensive medications, including diuretics in two children. Linear regression analysis revealed that systolic and diastolic blood pressures were directly related to calcium and phosphorus intake in black patients. In white children, only dietary phosphorus intake and diastolic blood pressure were directly related. There was no relationship between sodium intake or GFR and blood pressure in the white or black children. PTH levels were directly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in all children. The correlations between PTH and blood pressure were stronger in white versus black patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dietary macronutrient composition influences tissue trace element accumulation in diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats.

The purpose of the present investigation was to study the role of two potential contributory factors, hyperphagia and alterations in fuel metabolism, on the development of tissue trace element accumulation in the experimentally induced diabetic rat. The role of increased mineral intake associated with diabetic hyperphagia on tissue trace element accumulation was evaluated by feeding control and diabetic rats high-carbohydrate (HC) diets which varied in Zn, Cu, Mn, and Mg concentrations. Diabetic rats were hyperphagic and had lower plasma Mg, and higher liver Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations than control rats, regardless of dietary mineral intake. In a second study, diabetic hyperphagia was reduced by feeding control and diabetic rats a HC, high-fat (HF), or high-protein (HP) diet; the effects of altering diabetic metabolism on trace element status was studied. Liver Mn and Zn concentrations of diabetic rats fed the HF diet were lower than diabetic rats fed the HC diet and HP diet, and were similar to control rats. Liver Cu concentrations of diabetic rats fed the HF and HP diets were lower than diabetic rats fed the HC diet and were similar to control rats. While diabetic rats, in general, had higher plasma glucagon concentrations and lower percent body fat than control rats, diabetic rats fed the HF diet had similar plasma glucagon and percent body fat to control rats. These data suggest that tissue-specific biochemical needs, such as the need for metals as cofactors for enzymes, rather than hyperphagia per se, may drive the accumulation of trace elements in the diabetic animal.

A new estimation of the intake of contaminants, based on daily food consumption data

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are allocated to each food article as published in the Denmark Budget Methods in the Codex Alimentalius of the WHO/FAO Joint Committee when standards of pollutants in food are needed. When daily intakes of Food Additives and Contaminants need to be calculated, the Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake. (TMDI) and the Estimated Maximum Daily Intake (EMDI) have been generally used. TMDI and EMDI are calculated using the formulae shown below: [formula: see text] i: food article (i = 1, ....., n) A: standard value for food additives and contaminants X: mean weight of food article consumed daily l: rate of residue after cooking Exposure assessment should be more exact in order to meet social health needs and to help avoid unnecessarily strict regulations. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continually improving its estimates of the dietary intakes of pesticides and essential minerals, and comparing these intakes with established safe or recommended dietary intake levels. Dietary survey methods have also improved in parallel, with examples being the USDA's Household Food Consumption Survey (1955 and 1965) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II (1976-1980). In Japan, TMDI and EMDI have received more attention as methods of estimating the daily intakes of food additives and contaminants than has the Total Diet Study, even though the former are not as exact as the latter. The Japanese National Nutrition Survey is one of the most respected nutrition surveys in the world, because it has continued nationwide yearly since 1946. Nevertheless, it is very unfortunate that no one utilizes the Household Food Consumption Survey data for the estimation of intakes of food additives and contaminants, because that is not the primary purpose of the Japanese National Nutrition Survey. Practically, there are neither foods which have an uniform of food additives and contaminants nor individuals who consume uniform amounts of each food item. In this report the authors propose a revised estimation method for the daily intake of food contaminants and additives, based on food consumption data of 159 female volunteers, without using the National Nutrition Survey data. The results obtained are as follows: 1) This method succeeded in making clear the intakes of food additives and contaminants. Mean, maximum and minimum values and distribution curves for the target population were obtained. 2) The suggested name for this method is "Estimated Ecological Daily Intake (EEDI)", which is processed in terms of the food consumption structure for calculation, and methodologically estimated by food ecology.

Relationships between dietary minerals and plasma lipids and glucose among older adults.

This study evaluated the relationships between dietary minerals and plasma lipids and glucose of forty-three adults, age 60 and above. Subjects self-selected diets averaged 33% of calories from fat, and 205 mg of cholesterol per day. Plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were determined enzymatically, and LDL-cholesterol was calculated. Plasma lipid values for subjects with dietary mineral intakes less than 2/3 of the RDA were compared to those with intakes greater than 2/3 of RDA. With lower copper intakes plasma triglycerides were elevated (p < or = 0.05). Both plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were elevated with lower zinc intakes (p < or = 0.05). LDL-cholesterol was elevated with lower calcium intakes (p < or = 0.05) and with lower magnesium intakes fasting glucose was elevated (p < or = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in plasma lipids due to dietary fat, saturated fat or cholesterol intakes. In these older adults, dietary mineral intakes showed more relationships to plasma lipid parameters than did amount or composition of dietary fat or cholesterol.

Fiber intake of older adults: relationship to mineral intakes.

This study evaluated reported dietary fiber and mineral intakes of 45 healthy adults, 60 years and over, using two sets of three-day dietary food records. The average age of the participants was 73 years, with an age range of 60 to 87 years. Mean reported dietary fiber intake was 18.3 g per day. Percentage of dietary fiber from different food sources was; breads and cereals 33%, vegetables 22%, fruits 21%, beans and legumes 7%, nuts and seeds 3%, combination foods 7% and others 7%. Significant positive correlations were observed between dietary fiber intake and copper, magnesium, selenium, potassium, iron and zinc intakes. Those participants with dietary fiber intakes of 20 g/day or more had significantly higher intakes of copper, magnesium, selenium, potassium and iron compared to those who had dietary fiber intakes less than 20 g/day, although mean kilocalorie intakes were not significantly different. Thus, increasing grain products, vegetables and fruits to increase dietary fiber intake, also may improve the mineral intakes of older adults.

An Appraisal of the Adequacy of Dietary Mineral Intakes in Developing Countries for Bone Growth and Development in Children

An Appraisal of the Adequacy of Dietary Mineral Intakes in Developing Countries for Bone Growth and Development in Children

The influence of high dietary protein, energy and mineral intake on deficient young camel ( Camelus dromedarius)—II. Changes in mineral status

1. 1. Mangrove Avicennia marina is poor in some trace elements such as copper, zinc and manganese. In a trial we used 32 young camels divided into four groups. 2. 2. Groups 1 and 3 were supplemented with copper and zinc in drinking water after 1 month of mangrove feeding. 3. 3. Groups 2 and 3 received concentrate rich in protein and energy. The supplementation was stopped after 2 months. 4. 4. All the camels were deficient in trace elements at the beginning of mineral supplementation. 5. 5. The plasma concentration of copper increased significantly up to normal levels (<70 μg/100 ml) in energy protein supplemented groups, but the quantity supplied (100 mg of copper sulphate/day) was not sufficient to maintain this level after the end of supplementation. 6. 6. The original zinc deficiency was too severe to observe a significant effect of the mineral supplementation. 7. 7. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels were improved during the supplementation period in protein-energy supplemented groups. 8. 8. A high interaction between mineral absorption and quality of the diet was observed. A well-balanced diet seems essential to avoid deficient mineral status.

The influence of high dietary protein, energy and mineral intake on deficient young camel ( Camelus dromedarius)—I. Changes in metabolic profiles and growth performance

1. 1. The main forage for camels in northern Djibouti (mangrove with Avicennia marina) is very poor in nitrogen and energy. In a trial, 32 young camels (less than 2 years old) were used in four groups of eight each. 2. 2. All the camels received mangrove as basal diet ad lib. 3. 3. After 1 month, the camels received mineral supplementation in copper and zinc (groups 1 and 3) or/and a concentrate rich in protein and energy (groups 2 and 3) or continued with the basal diet (controls). 4. 4. Any supplementation was stopped after 2 months for 1 month. 5. 5. Growth performance was 550g/day (concentrate-supplemented camels) and 570g/day (concentrate + mineral-supplemented camels). 6. 6. The growth was negative for the two others groups (−260g/day). 7. 7. Food intake of mangrove was slightly more important with mineral supplementation only and with mineral + concentrate supplementation. 8. 8. The changes in metabolic profiles have shown an important catabolism in non-supplemented animals, an increase of urea and free fatty acid concentrations in plasma and a decrease of glucose concentrations. 9. 9. Three camels died in the control group with symptoms of starvation and signs of liver damage (increase of liver enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transferase).