Comparative study of proximate composition, antioxidant vitamins and mineral profile of six local wild fruits consumed in South-eastern, Nigeria

Abstract

Comparative study of proximate composition, antioxidant vitamin and mineral profile were carried out in six local wild fruits consumed in South East, Nigeria. The wild fruits samples were obtained from Eke Awka market in Awka, Anambra State and were processed for analysis. Proximate compositions, antioxidant vitamins and mineral profile of the samples were determined using standard methods. The result of the study indicated that moisture content of wild mango (31.88 ± 0.02%) was significantly higher (p˂0.05) compared to other fruits. The protein content of African elemi (14.52 ± 0.02%) was highest followed by African velvet tamarind (8.61 ± 0.12%).Crude fibre (3.50 ± 0.01%) and carbohydrate (51.56 ± 0.02%) were significantly higher in African velvet tamarind compared to other fruits but least in hog plum (0.50 ± 0.01%) and African elemi (25.44 ± 0.02%) respectively. Antioxidant vitamins were present at different concentrations. However, the fruits were generally rich in vitamin C. The mineral profile of the studied fruits showed the presence of macro minerals (Na, Ca, Mg and K) and antioxidant related minerals (Se, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn). The results obtained from micro minerals indicated that there was a significant difference among the wild fruits while the macro minerals composition of the selected wild fruits did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺ concentrations among the wild fruits. This study generally showed that wild fruits have appreciable amount of vitamins and minerals therefore should be included in our daily diet.