Variations in the trace element contents of some vegetables.

It is the purpose of this paper to draw the attention of nutritionists, medical men, and epidemiologists to the wide variations that are to be found in the trace element concentrations in various vegetables. The concentrations in vegetables may vary widely depending on where they are grown. Furthermore, vegetables differ among themselves in their ability to incorporate specific elements from their environment. These differences in the trace element concentrations in vegetables are far greater than has previously been generally realized. I do not wish to trespass into fields that properly belong to other disciplines. Nevertheless, thanks to the advice and knowledge provided by many workers in related fields, it is felt proper to draw attention to some relationships between trace elements and disease patterns which, although statistically inconclusive, nevertheless appear to justify further and more critical investigations.