Provitamin a carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and minerals in indigenous leafy vegetables from Tanzania
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
The essential micronutrients in indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) could substantially
contribute to the micronutrient supply in rural communities in Tanzania, but concentrations differ
between species. Provitamin A carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, minerals, and phytate were
analysed in 13 different species using HPLC-, ICP-OES, and photometric techniques. Eight of the
13 ILVs, including Amaranthus ssp. and Sesamum angustifolium, had high -carotene concentrations
(2.91–4.84 mg/100 g fresh weight), which could provide 50% of vitamin A’s recommended
nutrient intake (RNI). Six ILVs including Cleome hirta and Sonchus luxurians had high iron contents
(34.5–60.4 mg/100 g, >50% RNI); Amaranthus ssp. represented the ILV with high calcium, magnesium
and zinc contents (85%, 207% and 21% of RNI per 100 g); Cleome hirta and Cleome gynandra had high
ascorbic acid contents (>15 mg/100 g, 34–35% of RNI), while Sesamum angustifolium was the only
ILV with a high tocopherol content (7.34 mg -TE/100 g). The highest phytate concentration was
found in Amaranthus ssp., which could negatively affect its role as a very good source of minerals.
Results indicate that the analysed ILVs could make a substantial contribution to the vitamin A and
iron supply in the diets of rural Tanzanian populations.
Description
Foods 2019, 8, 35; doi:10.3390/foods8010035
Keywords
Leafy vegetables, Micronutrients, Carotenoids, Nutrient intake, Tanzania