Contents of mineral elements in Swedish market basket diets

The aim of this study was to estimate the average dietary exposure to toxic and essential mineral elements in the Swedish population (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Se, Ca, K, Mg, Na, I). Market baskets were purchased during March–May 1999 in four cities representing the major geographical regions and population centres in Sweden. The market baskets were based on food disappearance data representing more than 90% of annual supply, and were divided into 12 food groups.Large variations between food groups were seen for the average concentrations of most essential elements. Differences between the four cities were relatively small (CoV < 10–20%), exceptions being e.g. Se in cereals and I in meat. Pb concentration varied considerably among food groups ranging from <0.001 mg/kg in soft drinks to 0.027 mg/kg in wine. Cd concentration varied from <0.001 mg/kg in soft drinks and dairy products to 0.024 mg/kg in cereal products. Average contents of the elements were (per/person/day) 1110 mg Ca, 2580 mg Na, 3320 mg K, 285 mg Mg, 11.3 mg Zn, 9.2 mg Fe, 3.5 mg Mn, 1.15 mg Cu, 0.20 mg I, 0.052 mg Se, 0.09 mg Ni, 0.025 mg Cr, 0.011 mg Co, 0.007 mg Pb and 0.010 mg Cd. Compared to a previous study in 1987 no or minor changes in the supply of Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cd have occurred. The content of Fe was about 40% lower in the present study, mainly due to cessation of flour fortification. The content of Se was about 30% higher. The content of Pb was about 50% lower, probably due to the elimination of Pb from petrol and other measures taken to reduce Pb emissions in Sweden. The average content of essential mineral elements in the Swedish diet was close to or above daily recommended intakes for adults, except for Mg and Fe. The average Pb and Cd content corresponds to 3% and 17% of the JECFA PTWI, respectively. The content of Cd corresponds to 47% of the new TWI established by EFSA in 2009.