Estimated daily intake of Fe, Cu, Ca and Zn through common cereals in Tehran, Iran

This paper presents the findings of study undertaken to estimate the dietary intake of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) through common cereals in Tehran, Iran. 100 samples of rice, wheat and barley were collected from various brands between August and October 2013. The samples were analyzed performing instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The dietary intake for adults was estimated by a total cereal study. Calculations were carried out on the basis of the reported adults’ average food consumption rate data. The total daily intake estimated in mg d−1 for Tehran population were 3.6 (Fe), 10.2 (Zn), 0.3 (Cu) and 234.5 (Ca). Wheat showed the highest contribution to Zn, Cu and Ca intakes. Furthermore, intakes were compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Zn total intake (10.2 mg d−1) was comparable with RDA values for males (11 mg d−1) and was higher than recommended value for females (8 mg d−1). The intakes of other studied elements were below the respective RDAs.