The authors compare the effect of different nutritional habits on essential trace element (iron, copper, zinc) levels and cadmium. They examined 334 vegetarians and 298 omnivores. The analyses of trace elements were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There were only slight differences between mean serum levels of copper and zinc. Serum iron levels were reduced in vegetarians compared to omn ivores, especially in women (15.29 mmol/l vs. 18.80 mmol/l). The authors found a 41–45% incidence of decreased values of iron in vegetarians. The frequency of decreased and/or increased values of copper and zinc is the same as in the whole population. 7.4% of vegetarians had blood cadmium levels higher than the upper limit of blood cadmium concentration 5 mg/l, 18.5% exceeded a concentration of 3.0 mg/l. The highest value of blood cadmium was 2.27 mg/l in omnivores. Vegetarianism is an acceptable dietary habits in adults and has several advantages. On the other hand, vegetarianism can be considered as one of the risk factors for trace element metabolism in humans.

        Key words: vegetarianism, iron, copper, zinc, cadmium, omnivores.