Comparative study of antioxidant and  micronutrient properties of four selected  Nigerian fruits

Edeh; R.I.; Madukwe; E.U.; Ogbu O.

Volume : II, Issue : IX, September - 2013

Comparative study of antioxidant and micronutrient properties of four selected Nigerian fruits

Edeh, R. I. , Madukwe, E. U. , Ogbu O.

Abstract :

The antioxidant and micronutrient composition of fresh samples of Parkia biglobosa, Landophia orensis, Sterculia trycantha and Dacryodes edulis were investigated and compared. The mesocarp of fresh samples of the fruits as consumed were analysed using standard analytical methods. The fruits had vitamin A (0.14mg/100g – 4.48mg/100g), ascorbate (21.90mg/100g – 189.97mg/100g), vitamin E (0.13mg/100g – 6.73mg/100g), Zinc (0.16mg/100g – 1.52mg/100g) and iron (0.85mg/100g – 2.78mg/100g). Parkia biglobosa had significantly higher levels of ascorbate and vitamin E (P < 0.05) while Dacryodes edulis had significantly higher level of vitamin A (P < 0.05) and higher levels of zinc and iron. The study confirmed fruits as good sources of antioxidants. Nutrition education on the micronutrient and antioxidant potentials of fruits is therefore advocated to make them more popular and acceptable to the population.