Nutrient composition of fresh water clams (Galatea paradoxa, born 1778) from River Benue, Benue State-Nigeria

Abstract

An investigation of the nutritional benefits of freshwater clams was undertaken from River Benue, Nigeria. The method of data collection  was the purposive sampling of four (4) locations along the river. The results indicated that freshwater Clams had a crude protein content  of 30.63%. Ash content ,22.74%, fat,4.72% and moisture 5.27%. Mineral contents ranged from 2.3 ± 0.02 to 166.2 ± 0.14 (Mg/kg^-1 ); with  calcium recorded in higher content of 166.2 ± 0.14(Mg/kg^-1 ) while Cu content was recorded the lowest (2.3 ± 0.02 Mg/kg^-1 ) mineral  contents from G. paradoxa. The result of this finding also showed other mineral contents in fresh water clam in the study area, these  include: Sodium 150.0 ± 0.21 Mg/kg^-1 , followed by Magnesium which content about 139.0 ± 0.07 Mg/kg^-1 , Iron content 15.0 ± 0.04 Mg/ kg-1 and Potassium content 14.2 ± 0.03 Mg/kg^-1 while Zinc content 9.9 ± 0.03 Mg/kg-1 . The vitamins content ranged from 0.4 ± 0.01(mg/ g) to 121.5 ± 2.12 (mg/g). Fresh water clam (Galatea paradoxa) from the study area hadt vitamin D with the highest content value of 121.5  ± 2.12 (mg/g), this was followed by vitamin C whose content was 18 ± 0.04 mg/g, vitamin K content 13.9 ± 0.02 (mg/g), vitamin A  content 8.5 ± 0.74 mg/g, vitamin B6 content 5.1± 0.02 mg/g, vitamin E content 1.1± 0.02 mg/g while vitamin B12 content 0.4 ± 0.01mg/g.It  is therefore suggested that sensitization be carried out to promote their consumption among the populace of Benue State for their  nutritive values.