Abstract

Mineral intake in southern Chile was characterized via a Total-Diet Study coupled to high-resolution elemental quantification. Seventeen composite food groups, weighted from 763 adult 24-h recalls, were prepared exactly as eaten, and wet-digested (HNO3 + H2O2, 80 degrees C) before 12-h ashing at 450 degrees C. Acidified digests were analyzed by flame AAS; five-point calibration produced r2 >= 0.9995 across 0.1-50 mg/L, and the infant-food CRM MUVANEM returned 102 +/- 4 % recovery. Population-weighted exposures averaged 2 312 mg Na/day, 2 050 mg K/ day, 1 273 mg Ca/day, 285 mg Mg/day, 11 mg Zn/day and 9.4 mg Fe/day. White bread was the principal carrier (32 % Na, 24 % Zn, 48 % Fe); dehydrated condiments contributed a further 17 % Na and 11 % Fe, while brined cheeses supplied 47 % Ca but raised N by 252 mg/day. Resultant Na/K (1.9) and Ca/Mg (4:1) ratios exceed recommended thresholds, suggesting heightened cardiometabolic and calciuric risk. Nevertheless, Zn met and Fe nearly met EFSA reference intakes, with TTHQ = 0.71. Relative to nine earlier TDS datasets, the study uniquely documents fortified-bread-driven Fe load. Reformulating bakery salt, adopting K-chloride seasoning blends and promoting legumes/nuts are flagged as targeted corrections that preserve micronutrient adequacy.