Proximate and Antinutrients Compositions, and Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Metals in Some Edible Vegetables

Abstract

The proximate, antinutrients and heavy metals composition of five edible vegetables - Telfariaoccidentalis (fluted pumpkin), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Pterocarpus mildbraedii (mkpa), Ceratotheca sesame ides (bungu), and Gongronemalatifolium (utazi) were determined using standard procedures. Health risk model was used to estimate the non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals consumption. Proximate analysis revealed moisture content in the range 56.45 – 90.80%, ash 6.10-32.60%, crude protein 12.60-26.25%, crude fat 4.20-13.15%, crude fibre 0.10-0.60%, carbohydrate 41.00-73.50% and caloric value 290.00-434.35 kcal. The highest levels of antinutrients are found in Gongronemalatifolium (soluble oxalate), Telfariaoccidentalis (total oxalate and phytate) and Pterocarpus mildbraedii (HCN and tannins). Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn and Fe (in Pterocarpus mildbraedii) is below FAO/WHO toxic limits. Estimated daily intake is well below the recommended oral reference doses. The Hazard Quotient of individual heavy metal for each vegetable is less than one, implying no health risk. However, the hazard index of the combined elements indicates significant health risk for men Brassica oleracea (cabbage), and women that consume Brassica oleracea (cabbage) and Ceratothecasesamoides (bungu). The vegetables used in the study are safe sources of beneficial nutrient to people in the area.

Keywords: Edible Vegetables, Nutritional and Antinutritional Composition, Metals, Health risk.