Lack of minerals in Hongkongers' diets 'could lead to health problems'
Researchers warn of health problems as mineral consumption fails to match recommended levels
Hongkongers consume too much sodium and don't get enough calcium, iron or potassium in their diets, according to the first study of the local population's mineral intake - and doctors are warning the deficit could lead to health problems in the future.
The Centre for Food Safety report is the ninth and last in a series that makes up the "First Hong Kong Total Diet Study", launched in March 2010.
All nine studies are based on food consumption data, collected between 2005 and 2007 from 5,008 adults aged 20 to 84.
From March 2010 to February 2011 the centre examined 600 composite samples of 150 food items to identify the consumption of 13 minerals in adults.
The research revealed that more than 90 per cent of adults did not meet the recommended intake for calcium, which is important for the skeleton and metabolic processes. While the World Health Organisation recommends at least 1 gram per day, the average consumption was just 430mg. Even high consumers, who made up the top 5 per cent of those surveyed, had a daily intake of just 840mg.
"Inadequate intake of calcium leads to the risk of osteoporosis in the general adult population," said Dr Samuel Yeung Tze-kiu, principal medical officer of the centre.
The optimal bone mass is maintained in young adulthood. From around 40, loss of bone mass becomes more obvious.