A study of six elements daily dietary intake of Chinese people

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was used to determine the concentrations of 6 elements Cr, Co, Rb, Cl, Br and I in 12 kinds of Chinese diets. The daily dietary intakes of these elements in 4 areas groups of China were investigated and the analytical results were compared with other countries and WHO recommended dietary intakes.     

Determination of daily dietary intakes of Br, Ca, Cl, Co and K in food in Montreal, Canada, by neutron activation analysis

The concentrations of 5 elements in 117 food samples were determined by computerized instrumental absolute neutron activation analysis. The daily dietary intakes of Br, Ca, Cl, Co and K in Montreal, Canada were equal to 1.9, 330, 1030, 0.07 and 3490 mg, respectively. The Canadian daily dietary intakes of Br and K are similar to the intakes in other countries. They are lower for Ca and higher for Co.     

Sources of trace elements in total diet: A statistical approach

We have collected sixteen total diet samples from two socioeconomic groups in Turkey by duplicate portion techniques. Samples were homogenized with titanium-blade homogenizer, freeze dried and analyzed for their minor and trace elements mostly by neutron activation analysis. Bread and flour samples were also collected from the same regions and analyzed similarly by instrumental neutron activation analysis. We have determined concentrations of more than 25 elements in total diets, bread and flour, and fiber and phytate in total diets. We have determined daily dietary intakes of these population groups, probable source of elements through correlation coefficients, and enrichment factor calculations. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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.     

Dietary intake of 25 elements by man estimated by neutron activation analysis

The trace element content of the total daily diet (food and beverages) of each of 4 adult males was determined over a period of one week. A method of radiochemical neutron activation analysis is briefly described which enables the determination of up to 31 elements in biological samples. Of the 25 elements determined in the diet 12 are essential elements (Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Na, Se, Zn) while 6 (As, Ba, Br, Cd, Hg, Sb) are classified as toxic. The average concentrations of the toxic trace elements As, Cd and Hg of the diet are below the provisional tolerable dietary intakes recommended by WHO/FAO. The contents of Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na and Zn are adequate to the proposed nutritional requirements.     

Study on essential and toxic elements intake from drinking of Chinese tea

Twenty different brands of Chinese tea were analyzed for multiple trace elements, including some essential and toxic elements, by neutron activation analysis (NAA). A comparison among tea brands from China, India, US and other countries was made for the ranges and averages of concentrations for Na, K, Mn, Cu, and Br. It has been observed that the trace element contents in tea leaves are largely dependent upon the soil and the environment where the tea grows. Chinese tea is rich in Mn and Cu comparing with those of other counties surveyed, but is indigent in Na. The transference ratio for each element determined (i.e., the fraction of an element in tea leave transferred into solution when tea is leached by percolation) is also reported. Adult daily intakes of some essential and toxic elements from tea drinking were also estimated.     

Calcium supplements as additional source of trace elements in health and disease Part 1: adequacy and safety of chelated calcium supplements

Eleven chelated calcium supplements intended for human consumption and produced by national and multinational companies have been studied for their mineral contents. Instrumental neutron activation analysis technique was used to quantify 12 elements (As, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Sb, Sn, Sr and Zn) while atomic absorption spectrometry technique quantified Cd, Cu and Ni. Three different irradiation protocols were adopted using a 27 kW tank-in-pool type miniature neutron source reactor. Most of the elements were present as minor or trace constituents except for Na that was quantified as major element in CaS-1 (3.73 %), CaS-2 (1.45 %), CaS-4 (1.56 %), CaS-5 (2.31 %), CaS-6 (1.84 %), CaS-7 (1.22), CaS-8 (1.73), CaS-9 (1.94), CaS-10 (2.07) and CaS-11 (2.48). However supplement CaS-3 with Ca source of calcium acetate contained only 53 μg/g of Na and the highest amount of Fe while As, Br, Cd and Sb were not detected in this sample. Percentage daily intakes with respect to their recommended dietary reference intake s and provisional tolerable daily intakes of essential and toxic elements showed that these elements contribute to a very low percentage of the recommended/tolerable levels for most of the supplements studied. Nevertheless the findings depict that it is very important for pharmaceutical and neutraceutical firms to completely identify these elements in the supplements and include their potency on the labels before being released to the consumers.     

平顶山矿区小学生膳食与营养状况分析

为了解平顶山矿区儿童的营养现状，以便对其膳食指导特别是微量元素的营养指导提供科学依据，整群抽取平顶山矿区某小学住宅生134名，采用5日称重法进行膳食调查；原子吸收光谱法测定血清钙、铁、锌含量。结果表明，蛋白质、热量、Fe、Zn的摄入量可达RNI规定；而Ca的摄入量不足，仅达BNI的45．6％。血清Ca、Zn、Fe值低于正常参考值范围的检出率分别为17．9％、2．3％、1．5％。可见该小学生住宅生钙摄入不足，缺钙现象较为普遍，应调整膳食结构，增加含钙丰富的食物。     

Characterisation of some exotic fruits (Morus nigra, Morus alba, Salvadora persica and Carissa opaca) used as herbal medicines by neutron activation analysis and estimation of their nutritional value

In the under developed countries, the people of far-flung rural areas still depend to a large extent upon herbal medicines. At the foundation of usage of herbal medicine is the experience of thousands of years. The present paper deals with the characterisation of exotic fruits for essential and toxic elements. The samples include Morus nigra, Morus alba, Salvadora persica and Carissa opaca (from low and high altitude). Two standardizations of neutron activation analysis, that is, semi-absolute k ₀-instrumental neutron activation analysis (k ₀-INAA) and epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) were employed for the quantification of elements. The analysis methodologies were validated by analyzing the IAEA-336 (lichen) and NIST-SRM-1572 (citrus leaves). Sixteen elements including Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc Sr, and Zn were determined in all samples. Daily intakes of various elements from the samples were measured and compared with the dietary reference intakes. Additionally, principal component analysis was performed to extract information regarding samples and elements.     

INAA of trace elements in Indian vegetarian diet and its adequacy vis-a-vis Recommended Dietary Allowances

There has been an increasing awareness conceming the adequacy of trace elements in diet as their deficiency or excess may cause abnormal changes in the biochemical processes. Typical Indian vegetarian diet and dietary components such as cereals, grains, pulses, vegetables and spices have been analysed for 19 elements (Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Th and Zn) by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Several Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) were analysed for quality assurance. Based on the elemental contents, the daily dietary intake has been calculated and the data compared with those from other countries, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and permissible body burden. It has been observed that, although vegetarian, the Indian diet has an adequate content of essential trace elements compared to non-vegetarian oriental (Japan and Taiwan) and western (Germany, Denmark and USA) diets.     

茶叶专用营养剂对金萱茶微量元素和黄酮的影响

为探讨茶叶专用植物营养剂对金萱茶微量元素和黄酮含量的影响,以自研制的茶叶专用植物营养剂做试验,分别以稀释300、500、800倍施用到金萱茶中,采取每轮茶施肥一次,并以喷清水、1%尿素和其它品牌的茶叶营养剂稀释300倍作参照,用等离子体原子发射光谱法和分光光度法对施用不同肥料的金萱茶微量元素和黄酮含量分别进行了测定。结果表明,施用自研制的茶叶专用植物营养剂,金萱茶Ca,Mg,Fe,Zn,Mn,Cu,B等微量元素含量大大增加,黄酮含量也显著增多,这与施加含有益活性菌体和多种酶及微量元素的肥料有关。     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of 23 individual food articles from a high altitude region

Twenty-three individual food items commonly consumed in a high altitude region (Kashmir) have been investigated using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The concentration of Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Se, Sn, and Zn is reported for these food articles. For quality assurance of our data, IAEA and NIST standard reference materials have also been studied. The dietary intake of these elements was calculated in accordance with the weekly food selection habits of the residents of this area. The dietary contribution of most of these elements was found to be in agreement to the RDA/ESadi levels. The purpose was to design a database of essential elements for this area and to study the adequacy levels of these elements in different dietary items. Fairly adequate intake of Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Se, Sn, and Zn through these foodstuffs is reported, whereas, lower intakes through these items were found for Cl, K, and Na.     

Newer trace elements in Iranian diets

The intake of some “newer” trace elements via the daily diet by Iranian population groups was determined. The total mixed diets were prepared on the basis of dietary recording. Aluminium and nickel have been measured via atomic absorption spectrometry, vanadium and tin via radiochemical neutron activation analysis, and scandium via instrumental neutron activation analysis. The results for the Iranian diets are discussed and compared with corresponding data from other countries. The project has been performed in the frame of a co-ordinated research project of the International Atomic Energy Agency with participants from various countries. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Toxic element composition of multani mitti clay for nutritional safety

Geophagy of multani mitti (MM) clay is very common in central Pakistan especially amongst women. It was therefore mandatory to establish baseline levels of toxic elements in this clay for its safe dietary consumption by consumers of different genders, age groups and physical states. Instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry techniques were used to determine the nutritional safety of MM clay for oral intake. All quantified toxic elements were detected at trace levels with composition in the descending order; Pb > Br > As > Sb > Hg > Cd. Comparison of these elements in MM clay with other clays shows that As, Cd, and Pb, are lowest in MM clay while its Br and Hg contents are high. Highest weekly dietary intakes of As, Br, Cd, Hg, and Sb were found to be 18, 0.05, 1.6, 9.2 and 1.1 % of the respective recommended provisional tolerable weekly intakes. The findings of this study show that As, Br, Cd, Hg and Sb in MM clay are well below the tolerance levels. However its Pb concentration is very high and may pose health concerns. The data presented in this study can be used as national base level guideline for geophagy of MM clay by men, women (normal, pregnant and lactating) and children.     

The determination of manganese status in the Australian diet using neutron activation analysis

Fifty representative foods sampled Australia-wide from each of the State capitals were analysed for manganese by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Calculated daily intake of manganese for Australian diets was compared with recommendations by US authorities for the safe and adequate dietary intake of this essential trace element. The contribution of tea to adult daily intakes was determined.     

Nutrients and other elements in honey from Azores and mainland Portugal

The present study aims the identification and quantification of trace elements in samples of honey from the Azores and the Portuguese mainland. Elemental concentrations were determined for Al, Br, Cl, Cs, Cu, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, and Zn. Some of these elements are essential dietary nutrients for humans. The essential elements, K and to a lesser extent Na and Cl were the most abundant in the honey samples. However, overall, the elemental content was very low, inferior to the recommended allowances for daily dietary intake (DDI), with the exception of Na whose concentration exceeded that of the recommended DDI. The results of the present investigation and data reported for other countries compare well. The honeys correlate much better when they are from Azores or from Portugal mainland, however, some good correlations were found between honeys from the islands and the mainland. The color of the honey, which depends of the flower-source, could have a role in the differences and similarities between the different honeys as suggested by the cluster analysis of the data. The correlation between honey, soil, tree bark and lichens, all collected in Azores, was poor.     

Preliminary homogeneity study of in-house reference material using neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence

Summary Although many biological reference materials for quality control of trace element analysis are commercially available, there is still a need for additional local materials for special matrices. In the Latin American region a preliminary study has been commenced involving analytical strategies for the characterization of in-house reference material. A biological sample, prepared in Brazil, constitutes the first regional attempt to prepare reference material. It was analyzed by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to verify its homogeneity. The determination of the trace elements and certain major elements was carried out by instrumental NAA. Trace elements such as Cd, Mn, Mo and Cu were determined using NAA with radiochemical separations to improve the sensitivity and precision. XRF was applied only to major constituents and some trace elements with concentration of more than 10 g/g. From a total of 18 elements analyzed, only Fe, Cr and Sc were not homogeneously distributed.     

Trace element evaluation of rice and husk by INAA

An instrumental neutron activation analysis technique has been utilized to study the prevailing levels of certain inorganic trace elements in different varieties of rice produced in Pakistan. The data have been compared with those of other countries. The elemental ratios within rice and rice to husk have been computed to evaluate indirectly the impact of soil and environment on the rice crops. The dietary spectum for the inhabitants of Rawalpindi/Islamabad areas has been evaluated by estimating the daily intake and comparing with allowances suggested in the literature.     

Toxicologically important trace elements in Iranian diets

The intake of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury via the daily diet by Iranian population groups was determined. The relevant daily diets were prepared through dietary recording and duplicate portion, and the trace elements were measured using analytical methods based on NAA, ICP and AAS. The results for the Iranian diets are discussed and compared with corresponding ones from other countries. The project has been performed in the frame of a co-ordinated research project of the International Atomic Energy Agency with participants from various countries. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Über die Verwendung von Aktivkohle zur Anreicherung von Spurenelementen mit nachfolgender Bestimmung durch Atomabsorptions-Spektrometrie

Activated carbon can be used as collector material in trace analysis. Due to the special character of activated carbon, not only unsoluble compounds can be enriched, but also many soluble chelate complexes of trace elements. For that purpose the buffered aqueous solution of the analytical sample containing complexing or precipitating reagents is filtered through a small filter paper covered with 50 mg of activated carbon. The trace compounds, and in many cases also the surplus reagent are adsorbed by the collector. By treating the carbon collector with acid after the process of trace enrichment, a trace concentrate free of unwanted substances is obtained. Thus it is possible to use sensitive electrochemical and optical methods for the determination. For the determination of the enriched elements by atomic absorption spectrometry, the activated carbon suspended in diluted nitric acid can be dispersed directly into the atomizer. The carbon particles do not cause any interferences. The application and the advantages of activated carbon for enrichment of trace elements in high-purity materials is demonstrated by some analytical examples.