Daily dietary zinc intake in Belgium measured using duplicate portion sampling

Daily dietary zinc intake by healthy adults in Belgium has been re-evaluated by duplicate portion sampling, heating in a microwave oven and atomic absorption spectrometric determination of the element. The mean intake value for adults (11.2+/-3.2 mg/day) is similar to levels found for most other countries, but below the daily requirements, i.e. 15 mg/day for men and 12 mg/day for women. Literature data on intake levels for other population groups (infants, children, adolescents, lactating women, the elderly, those taking supplements and those involved in intensive physical activities) as well as for pathological conditions are compiled.