TRACE-ELEMENTS IN TAIWANESE DIET IN DIFFERENT SEASONS

The trace element contents of Taiwanese diet were determined using conventional neutron activation analysis. Sample were prepared with duplicate portion technique by collecting food items ate and drank during a 3 day period in winter. Samples were homogenized, freeze-dried, and elemental concentration of trace elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The interference from fast neutron induced reactions were corrected. Concentrations and daily dietary intake of the elements were compared with those collected in the summer, resulting less daily intake of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Zn among Taiwanese than the values recommended by WHO and RDA. Alarming low intake of Fe for females and Zn among Taiwanese were indicated.