Determination of mineral element composition of Ayoyo, Baobab and Dandelion vegetable green leaves in Ghana using instrumental neutron activation analysis

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the nutritional compositions (mineral elements) of three green leafy vegetable; Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale), Ayoyo (Corchorus Olitorius) and Baobab (Adasonia Digitata). The ultimate goal is to improve nutrition and health by advocating for increased consumption of indigenous green leafy vegetables with an objective to increasing public acceptance, awareness and utilization. The mineral elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis, over 20 elements were detected. However, 14 mineral elements were quantitatively evaluated on the basis of k 0 -method and relative comparator method. The leaves were characterized with high concentration of Mg, Ca, Cl and K, and substantive amount of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu and I. The composition of the mineral elements and its respective percent contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance/Adequate Intake (RDA/ AI) for various life groups indicates that reasonable consumption of any of the three green leafy vegetable can contribute substantive amount of daily nutritional requirement for minor nutrients like; I, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe as well as major nutritional (Mg, Ca, Cl and K) needs for all life groups. Each of the leaves was also characterize with high K/Na ratios. Tolerable upper intake levels (UL) analysis also showed no significant abuse for the mineral elements determined. Other potential toxic elements (As, Cd and Hg) and non-nutritional minerals (Br, V, Al and Ba) were either not detected or were found in low concentrations.

Major and Trace Elements of Baobab Leaves in Different Habitats and Regions in Sudan: Implication for Human Dietary Needs and Overall Health

“…Including Baobab leaves in our diets may offer a potential solution for individuals residing in regions with nutrient deficiencies as are a rich source of essential nutrients. More importantly, studies focused on the soil type of Baobab growth as well as regional and ecological differences contribute to the existing literature on Baobab tree products and their value, providing valuable insights for future research and dietary interventions that will be aligned with what was reported by [ 23 , 25 , 26 ].…”

Nutrient Composition and Health Benefits of Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables in Ghana: A Review

“…Interestingly, other comparable studies attributed C. olitorius as an inexpensive source of food nutrients due to the presence of vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese, and molybdenum and potassium [56,60,58]. Comparing the nutrient composition of C. olitorius cultivated in South Africa and Ghana, nutrient content data revealed these leaves species had a similar quantity of zinc and iron [62].…”

“…Several authors have concluded that L. taraxacifolia can serve as a functional food that can curb malnutrition and disease; two major problems confronting the developing countries after analysis of their nutritional qualities [48,59]. Several studies found it to be very rich in micronutrients and macronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus [48, 35,60,61]. X. sagittifolium leaves supply a large amount of carbohydrates, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc phosphorus [38,56].…”

“…Furthermore, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an important functionary in immune system build-up, protein metabolism and gluconeogenesis (58) whiles vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is needed for erythropoiesis, nervous system functioning and DNA replication [76]. Vitamins C plays a major role as an antioxidant physiologically in the body in that it aids in iron absorption and protein metabolism [60].…”