Proximate, Antinutrient and Mineral Contents of Aframomum danielli (Ataiko) Seed
Peters Dikioye Emmanuel *
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Kojo, Sarah
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Plant seeds are rich in nutrients and antinutrients which interfere with bioavailability of minerals.
Objective: This research was aimed at evaluating the proximate, anti-nutrients and minerals compositions and estimation of relative mineral bioavailability of Aframomum danielli seed (Ataiko).
Methods: Proximate composition was assessed by AOAC methods, minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and anti-nutrients by titrimetric methods.
Results: Proximate compositions in percentage revealed carbohydrate with (51.95±0.15), crude fibre (16.00±0.10) and fat (2.35±0.15) was least. Caloric value (kcal 100 g) was 286.55±2.75 Phytate (1.98±0.03%) was higher than oxalate (0.06±0.00%). Major mineral percentage included phosphorus (7401.43 ± 318.24) and sulphur (1926.58 ± 21.49), minor minerals were in trace amounts. Molar ratios of phytate: Fe, Zn and Ca and oxalate:Ca were above their critical values.
Conclusion: A. daneilli seed is rich in nutrients, has high caloric value. High intake could lead to micronutrient malnutrition.
Keywords: Aframomum, daneilli, antinutrients, bioavailability, proximate