Zinc deficiency in the West of Scotland? A dietary intake study

1. The intake of zinc in the West of Scotland was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, in ninety-six items of food which make up the local standard diet for 1 week. 2. The diet contained less Zn than the recommended daily allowance ((US) National Academy of Sciences, 1974). This finding either indicates the need for a revision of the suggested allowances or suggests that a change of diet is necessary. 3. The change could be made simply by the substitution of wholemeal flour for white flour. Other changes in diet were considered but they were unlikely to be acceptable. Even with changes the requirement of pregnant or lactating women would not be met. If the recommended allowances are valid these women must be deficient in Zn.