Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the consumption of magnesium and zinc in the Republic of Korea. The food composition database for magnesium and zinc was developed based on the 2016–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The 2021 KNHANES (VIII-3) was used to estimate the intake of magnesium and zinc among Koreans. The mean magnesium intake was 292.6 mg, which was 98% of their Recommended Nutrient Intake. The mean zinc intake was 10.1 mg, which was 123% of their Recommended Nutrient Intake. The proportion of those who consumed magnesium less than its Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) was 45% and it was the highest among 12–19 years old (≥60%). The proportion of those who consumed zinc less than their EAR was 27%, and it was the highest in 20s and 40s (≥30%). The major food sources of magnesium were grains, vegetables, and pulses, and those of zinc were grains, meats, and vegetables.