Mineral content in daily food ration of selected populations from Olsztyn

The concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese in human food rations has been determined. The whole-day food rations (CRP) from a hospital and an orphanage, rations without supper (RP) from a creche and a kindergarten and dinner-only food rations (RO) from school and university canteens were analysed. The material was sampled two times for 5 days in spring and autumn 1991. Insufficient magnesium supply and considerable deficiency of iron, copper and zinc have been stated in the CRPs and RPs. The correct proportion of sodium to potassium was found in the hospital CRPs only. The meals prepared for children were characterised by very high sodium content.