Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9600
ISSN: 2155-9600
Yesufu HB and Hussaini IM
The study was aimed at investigating the concentration of macro/micro elements and proximate content of the fruit of Sarcocephalus latifolius with the view of validating its nutritional benefit to man. The plant material was collected from Gaya in Hong L.G.A of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis was conducted following methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The percentage values of moisture, ash, protein, fibre and carbohydrate available were 14.6, 4.5, 8.52, 32.60 and 45.80 respectively. The levels of 13 elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni) was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. While the content of phosphorus and sulphur in the fruit was determined by colorimetry. Results revealed moderate to high concentrations of some macro and micro elements in the fruit of Sarcocephalus latifolius. Phosphorus was the highest amongst the macro element (0.531 g/100 g) which represent 37.96% of its Required Dietary Allowance (RDA). Magnesium (0.329 g/100 g), potassium (0.294 g/100 g) calcium (0.242 g/100 g) and sodium (0.196 g/100 g) which represent 16.40%, 7.34%, 34.80% and 17.80% of their required dietary allowance. Sulphur was the lowest (0.045 g/100 g) among the macro element. For the microelements, Zn, a potent antioxidant was the highest (0.019 g/100 g) which represents 87.27% of its required dietary allowance (RDA). While Mn and Fe showed 99.8% and 33.3%. In conclusion, both the proximate and elemental concentrations for the fruit of S. latifolius was found within the permissible region set by the World Health Organization.