Consumption of selected minerals by actively servicing soldiers

The contents of Mg, Zn, Mn and Cu were determined in 100 daily food rations (DFR) served by different military canteens all ,)Ver the country. The actual consumption of these minerals was assessed by analytical examination of 40 DFRs with regard to plate residues. lt was found that DFR covered the human needs for Zn, Mn and Cu but not for Mg, the content of which in DFRs was lower than the recommended dietary allowance. The results obtahed indicated that the rations actually consumed, i.e. the ration served minus the plate residue did not cover the needs of soldiers for Mg, Zn and Cu.