MULTIELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF VEGETARIAN HUMAN DIETS AND DIETARY-COMPONENTS BY NEUTRON-ACTIVATION

Two vegetarian diet samples representative of the Indian sub-continent were prepared (in raw form) by the proportionate blending method for adolescent and adult age groups. These along with its components, viz. wheat, rice flours and pulses, were analyzed for 12 minor and trace e lements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and high re solution gamma-ray spectrometry. Bowen's kale was also analyzed to che ck the accuracy of the method. The concentrations of Br, Co, Cu, Fe, K , Mn and P are comparable to the non-vegetarian American and European diets. Zinc concentrations are however lower than the recommended diet ary allowances (RDA) and the western non-vegetarian diets.