Nutritional Potential of 15 Local Plant Species in Preventing Mineral Deficiencies in Young Children in Niger
SOUMANA SOUROUNDA Idé
*
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-resources, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
GARBA HASSANE Barhamou
National Laboratory of Public Health and Expertise, Head of Food and Water Quality Control Section, Niger.
AMADOU MOUSSA Abdoul Razak
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-resources, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
ALKASSOUM SANGARE Saadatou
Department of Studies and Research, LARADES Laboratory-Djibo Hamani University of Tahoua/Cell for the Analysis of Public Policies and Evaluation of Government Action (CAPEG), Niger.
SANI MAAZOU Mahamane Sabiou
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-resources, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
CHAIBOU Yaou
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-resources, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
Babouga Garba Sambo
Non-Governmental Organization Mother Source of Life/MSV, Niger.
Soumana Karimou
Laboratory of Plants, Values, Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Development, Niger.
Hassimi SADOU
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-resources, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
AMEYAPOH YAOVI AGBEKPONOU
Laboratory of Microbiology and Quality Control of Foodstuffs, Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo.
SABO Haoua SEINI
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-resources, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Macroelements and trace elements are essential for the body to function properly. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of the products of 15 local species and their contribution to combating mineral deficiencies. Iron, phosphorus and zinc were determined by UV/visible spectrophotometer. Sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The rate of coverage of children's daily mineral requirements was determined according to Canadian government recommendations. The results show that Hyphaene thebaïca pulp contains the highest proportion of potassium (8000mg/100g M); and phosphorus in Arachis hypogaea seeds (662.72mg/100g) and Ziziphus mauritiana kernels (336.71mg/100g). Magnesium levels were highest in Adansonia digitata pulp (283.10mg/100g) and Hyphaene thebaïca (216.27mg/100g), while calcium levels were highest in Adansonia digitata pulp (194.39mg/100g) and Neocarya macrophylla kernel (128.26mg/100g). Sodium levels were highest in Arachis hypogaea seeds (344.91mg/100g). In addition, the highest iron contents were found in the kernel of Anacarduim occidentale (6.40mg/100g) and the seeds of Glycine max (5.80mg/100g) and Pennisetum glaucum (5.80mg/100g). The highest zinc levels were found in almonds, notably Anacarduim occidentale (2.30mg/100g) and Zizyphus mauritiana (2.79mg/100g). More than 80% of the products from the species in this study meet more than 45% of the daily phosphorus requirements of children aged 7 to 12 months. Almonds from Anacarduim occidentale and Neocarya macrophylla provide over 40% of daily iron and zinc requirements for all age groups. These plant products could therefore be used in strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies and even malnutrition.
Keywords: Micronutrients, malnutrition, mineral elements, local species, Niger /Niamey