The objective of this research was to check the nutritional adequacy of diets served to University students related to essential elements and also to monitor for some toxic elements. Within this framework, the aim was to determine the levels of these elements in meals served at the Cafeteria of the School of Public Health at USP used by students and workers along one week. The 5 meals served along the week at the Cafeteria were analyzed separately. Three trays per meal were used to collect the food according to a duplicate portion technique. The centesimal composition of the meals was determined according to the methods suggested by AOAC. Neutron Activation Analysis was used and the concentration of the following elements was determined: Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se and Zn. The calculated intake obtained in the present work was compared to the daily recommended values set by RDA, WHO and Reference Man. Regarding macronutrients, the protein and lipid levels were high in some cases. The fiber content of the meals was adequate. Concerning the mineral contents of Br, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Rb, Se and Zn, the intake was adequate, but for the elements K, Mo, Na, Cl and Cr, the intake was too high concerning to recommendations. For the elements Ba, Co, Cs and Sb the daily intakes were compared to the values set by Reference Man. There are no recommendations for Ce and Sc elements. A great variability was also observed in the concentrations of these elements during the period of this study.
diets; mineral contents; macronutrients; neutron activation analysis
