Evaluation and analysis of dietary essential mineral micronutrients in selected Malaysian foods using FAAS and ICP-MS

Abstract

Food source could provide essential mineral elements necessary for preventing and remedying the cases of Mineral Deficiency Diseases (MDD). This source is cost effective, safe, affordable and accessible. In this study, essential elements: Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn were determined in 126 food samples eaten in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The all-serving-units-inclusive food samples were oven-dried until constant weight, homogenized and wet digested serially with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide mixture. The major and minor elements were respectively determined by FAAS and ICP-MS. The elements showed presence in all foods. The food element/RDA percentage ratios of (Ca: 50.0; P: 322.8) and (Mn: 10.5; P: 177.5) were obtained respectively relative to maximum and minimum Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The study has proven that the foods could be viable source of the elements choosing appropriate foods. These essential elements containing foods can be exploited for health maintenance, remedy and even cure for MDD.