Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Composition of Cereal Products Commonly Consumed in Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the nutrient composition of cereal products commonly consumed in Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State. Materials and Methods: Recipes were obtained by the use of semi-structured questionnaires from which cereal products (Fura, popcorn, roasted corn, semovita and “tuwon shikafa”) were prepared with their nutrient composition determined using standard methods. Results: Crude protein content obtained in the cereal products was 8.15% (Fura), 3.14% (popcorn), 3.88% (roasted corn), 5.02% (Semovita) and 4.69% (“tuwon shinkafa”) while crude fat content for “fura”, Semovita and “tuwon shinkafa” was 5.17%, 1.87% and 2.12% respectively. Crude fiber content was for Fura (2.61%), Semovita (19.40%) and Tuwon shinkafa (0.48%). Content of iron was higher in all the cereal products and levels of antinutrient analyzed were within safe levels. Conclusion: Nutrient density of commonly consumed cereal products in Samaru – Zaria is low but the levels of antinutrient in the cereal product were within the safe levels.

Key words: Cereal products, Nutrient Composition