Chemical and nutritional values of maize and maize products obtained from selected markets in Kaduna

Abstract

Maize and maize products in selected grain markets within Kaduna, Nigeria, were obtained and investigated for proximate and mineral composition analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and flame photometer. Proximate composition of maize and maize products were in the range of 11.6- 20 .0% (moisture), 1.10 – 2.95% (Ash), 4.50 – 9.87% (protein), 2.17-4.43 (fat), 2.10- 26.70% (fibre) and 44.60- 69.60% (carbohydrate). Significant differences exist between the mean values of the nutrient content of all the products except for moisture (P≤ 0.05). Mineral elements of the maize and maize products namely: phosphorus, magnesium and potassium were found to be high compared to other elements: zinc, calcium, copper, sodium, manganese and iron. Higher percentages of these minerals were concentrated in the maize bran.

Keywords: Cereal, Flame photometer, Maize bran, mineral element, proximate composition,