Mineral Elements Content of some Coarse Grains used as staple Food in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Analysis of mineral elements were carried out on some coarse grains used as staple food in Kano metropolis. The levels of Magnesium, Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Copper and Zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), and that of Sodium and Potassium were obtained using flame photometer (FES). The result of the study shows that the mean results of the mineral elements ranged in mg/kg from 62.50±0.55 - 84.82±0.74 sodium, 73.33±0.35 - 317±0.10 magnesium, 89.22±0.26 - 193.33±0.19 potassium, 70.00±0.52 - 186.67±0.29 calcium, 1.00±0.11 - 20.50±1.30 manganese, 25.00±0.11 - 80.50±0.36 iron. 4.00±0.08 - 13.00±0.24 copper and 15.00±0.34 - 50.50±0.24 zinc. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in levels of sodium, potassium and calcium between the varieties of coarse grains whereas no significant differences (p>0.05) occur in levels of magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc between the varieties of coarse grains. In comparison with Recommended Dietary Allowances of essential and trace metals set by international standard organizations, the coarse grains analyzed in this work contribute little to the provision of essential and trace elements requirements.

Keywords: Mineral Elements, Coarse Grains, Staple Food, Kano, Nigeria.