Vitamin and mineral composition of four non-conventional leafy vegetables

Abstract

Four Non-conventional vegetables frequently consumed among some rural communities in Adamawa State, Nigeria were analysed for vitamins and minerals composition. The vegetables are Hibiscus cannabinus, Haematostaphis barteri, Balanites aegyptiaca and Sesamum indicum. Mineral content varied appreciably among the samples; B. aegyptiaca and H. cannabinus contain high levels of calcium (3.80g/100g and 3.14g/100g respectively). Potassium content was high in all the vegetables analysed, the values ranged from 1.25mg/g in H. cannabinus to 1.49g/100g in S. indicum. Concentrations of Fe, K, Mn, P and Zn were highest in S. indicum. The Vitamins determined namely vitamins C, B1, E and K were found in varying amounts in all the samples. Vitamin C ranged from 0.7 – 1.72mg/g, vitamin B1 (0.08 – 0.12mg/g), vitamins E (0.06- 0.10mg/g) and vitamin K (2.40 -2.96mg/g). Vitamin K content was notably high in all the vegetables. The results indicate that the vegetables could serve as supplementary sources of essential nutrient to their consumers.