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Cited by 637Iron Metabolism and DisordersTrace Elements in HealthPhytase and its Applications

Bioavailability of iron, zinc, and other trace minerals from vegetarian diets

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Hunt, Janet R·2003·The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
DOI 10.1093/ajcn/78.3.633s
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Abstract

Iron and zinc are currently the trace minerals of greatest concern when considering the nutritional value of vegetarian diets. With elimination of meat and increased intake of phytate-containing legumes and whole grains, the absorption of both iron and zinc is lower with vegetarian than with nonvegetarian, diets. The health consequences of lower iron and zinc bioavailability are not clear, especially in industrialized countries with abundant, varied food supplies, where nutrition and health research has generally supported recommendations to reduce meat and increase legume and whole-grain consumption. Although it is clear that vegetarians have lower iron stores, adverse health effects from lower iron and zinc absorption have not been demonstrated with varied vegetarian diets in developed countries, and moderately lower iron stores have even been hypothesized to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Premenopausal women cannot easily achieve recommended iron intakes, as modified for vegetarians, with foods alone; however, the benefit of routine iron supplementation has not been demonstrated. It may be prudent to monitor the hemoglobin of vegetarian children and women of childbearing age. Improved assessment methods are required to determine whether vegetarians are at risk of zinc deficiency. In contrast with iron and zinc, elements such as copper appear to be adequately provided by vegetarian diets. Although the iron and zinc deficiencies commonly associated with plant-based diets in impoverished nations are not associated with vegetarian diets in wealthier countries, these nutrients warrant attention as nutritional assessment methods become more sensitive and plant-based diets receive greater emphasis.

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  • Epidemiological evidence and relatively long term clinical trials suggest that a wide range of total carbohydrate intakes is acceptable.

    “While we have not considered the evidence regarding total carbohydrate intake, epidemiological evidence and relatively long term clinical trials 46 suggest that a wide range of intakes is acceptable, a finding which is endorsed by authoritative dietary guidelines.47”

    From Carbohydrate quality and human health: a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (2019) · cites this paper as [46]

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  1. Food and Nutrition Board: National Research Council. Diet and health: implications for reducing chronic disease risk. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1989.
  2. Drobner C, Röhrig B, Anke M, Thomas G. Selenium intake of adults in Germany depending on sex, time, living area and type of diet. In: Fischer PWF, L'Abbé MRL, Cockell KA, Gibson RS, eds. Trace ele- ments in man and animals-9: proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on Trace Elements in Man and Animals. Ottawa, Canada: NRC Press, 1997:158-9.

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Authors
Hunt, J. R.
Affiliations
Agricultural Research Service (US)
Corresponding author
Hunt, Janet R
Venue
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2003-09
Volume
78
Issue
3
Pages
633S-639S
ISSN
0002-9165 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1093/ajcn/78.3.633s
OpenAlex
W1909636004
Cited by
637
References
80
Citations by year
2026: 23 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 46 · 2020: 60 · 2019: 52 · 2018: 47 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 42 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 32 · 2013: 43 · 2012: 31
FWCI
0.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Agricultural Research Service
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Iron Metabolism and Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Trace Elements in Health
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Phytase and its Applications
Keywords
iron bioavailability, zinc bioavailability, trace elements, vegetarian diet, phytic acid, Fabaceae, whole grains, iron stores, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, iron supplementation, premenopausal women, hemoglobin, copper, plant-based diet, nutritional assessment
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Biological Availability, Child, Female, Humans, Intestinal Absorption, Iron, Male, Middle Aged, Trace Elements, Diet, Vegetarian, Zinc, Case-Control Studies

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