_applied sciences_  
_Article_  
**Probabilistic Assessment of the Intake of Trace Elements by Consumption of Red Deer (_Cervus elaplus_) and Wild Boer (_Sus scrofa_) Meat**  
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The consumption of game meat varies significantly among populations and can be influenced by a multitude of factors [8]. In the majority of European countries, the consumption of game meat remains relatively low, with only 2-4% of the population regularly including this type of meat in their diet [9]. Traditionally, game meat is cherished and predominantly consumed by hunters and their relatives [8; 10]. In Europe, approximately 5.5 million hunters have been identified as frequent consumers of game meat, partaking in its consumption at least once a week [6]. Furthermore, there exists a segment of the population, distinct from the hunting community, that also includes wild game meat in their diet [6].  
In recent decades, there has been a surge of interest in game meat, and its demand has experienced a noteworthy increase [5; 11] as consumer perceptions of game meat are evolving. Game meat is seen as \"natural meat\" where animals roam freely, primarily graze on pastures, and are devoid of hormones, antibiotics, and other additives [11]. It is often regarded as more organic compared to other meat varieties [12]. Furthermore, game meat is prized for its exceptional nutritional quality and sensory attributes [7], as well as its potential health benefits [5]. Additionally, red deer meat obtained through hunting has a lower environmental impact when compared to conventional beef [13].  
In general, game meat stands out for its low fat, high protein, and low energy content. The nutritional profile of large wild ungulates, such as wild venison and wild boar species, showcases exceptional nutritional qualities in terms of protein and fats [14], largely attributed to its low fat content and its fatty acid composition [10; 15]. Moreover, wild ruminant meat exhibits a favorable n-6/n-3 ratio (typically lower or near 4) and boasts a high content of compounds, such as fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and essential trace elements, that hold significance in human nutrition [7; 16].  
Spain holds a prominent position among European nations in the production, processing, and trade of large game meat and related food products sourced through hunting [17]. Notably, it ranks as the world's second-largest producer of wild red deer, after New Zealand (the world's leading producer of farmed venison), which are mainly harvested through traditional driven hunts taking place during the autumn-winter season [18]. Over recent years, the production of game meat in Spain has seen a substantial upswing, with a recorded output of approximately 53 thousand tons in 2019 [19]. Game meat consumption in Spain surpasses that of many other European countries, and a significant portion of the game meat production is reserved for self-consumption by hunters themselves, bypassing the commercial food chain [8].  
The growing enthusiasm for game meat in Europe, particularly the elevated consumption of deer and wild boar meat in Spain, combined with the limited research on trace element contents in these species, underscores the necessity of this study. The primary objective was to assess the nutritional value of game meat from red deer and wild boar by evaluating its compliance with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for trace elements, including cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn).