The actual content of zinc and copper trace elements in the food intake of the children at preschool educational institutions in Kyiv

Abstract

Objective. We determined the actual content of zinc and copper trace elements in the food intakes of the children at pre school educational institutions in Kyiv and established the daily intake of these elements into the organism of the children aged from 3 to 6 years. Materials and methods. A method of the inversion voltamperometry was used for the determination of the actual content of zinc and copper in the food intakes of the children and basic foodstuffs. The food intakes in the children aged 3-6 years were also analyzed for the compliance with the nutritional standards at pre-school educational institutions, and a level of zinc and copper daily intake was assessed in accordance with a standard of the physiological need for the children of this age. Results. There are the results of the study of the actual content of the essential trace elements of copper and zinc in the foodstuffs of the children of pre-school educational institutions of Kyiv, and in the main foodstuffs of the food market of Ukraine as well. The children were established not to receive a sufficient amount of significant for life zinc and copper trace elements with the food intakes. It may be caused by a discrepancy of food intakes at pre-school educational institutions in Kyiv to the established nutrition standards at the expense of the insufficient consumption of the foods rich in zinc and copper — meat and meat products less than 68%, fish and fish products — 57%, cheese — 20%. In addition, a decrease of these trace elements in the main foods of daily use affected significantly a decrease of the actual content of these trace elements in the nutrition of the children in comparison with the similar foods in the 70-80-th of the last century. The children were recommended to use the foods rich in zinc and copper (nuts, meat, cheese, fish, seafood) at home additionally.