Content of some Trace Elements and Minerals in the Italian Total-diet

Abstract In 1995, the second national Italian food consumption survey was completed by the National Institute of Nutrition. On the basis of this household survey the Italian total-diet was formulated following the Market Basket criteria. In this study preliminary data on the daily intake of some trace elements (Zn, Cu) and some minerals (Ca, Mg, Na and K) from the Italian total-diet are reported. Data on the contribution of the main food groups to the total daily intake are also reported. Daily intake was estimated by comparing the trace elements and minerals intakes with the Italian recommended dietary allowances.