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Determination of mineral element composition of Ayoyo, Baobab and Dandelion vegetable green leaves in Ghana using instrumental neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the nutritional compositions (mineral elements) of three green leafy vegetable; Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale), Ayoyo (Corchorus Olitorius) and Baobab (Adasonia Digitata). The ultimate goal is to improve nutrition and health by advocating for increased consumption of indigenous green leafy vegetables with an objective to increasing public acceptance, awareness and utilization. The mineral elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis, over 20 elements were detected. However, 14 mineral elements were quantitatively evaluated on the basis of k0-method and relative comparator method. The leaves were characterized with high concentration of Mg, Ca, Cl and K, and substantive amount of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu and I. The composition of the mineral elements and its respective percent contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance/Adequate Intake (RDA/AI) for various life groups indicates that reasonable consumption of any of the three green leafy vegetable can contribute substantive amount of daily nutritional requirement for minor nutrients like; I, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe as well as major nutritional (Mg, Ca, Cl and K) needs for all life groups. Each of the leaves was also characterize with high K/Na ratios. Tolerable upper intake levels (UL) analysis also showed no significant abuse for the mineral elements determined. Other potential toxic elements (As, Cd and Hg) and non-nutritional minerals (Br, V, Al and Ba) were either not detected or were found in low concentrations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are particularly grateful to Mr. William Tettey of dome pillar 2 for giving us access to his garden. We also express our sincere appreciation to Mr. Edward Yeyeh of the Works and Physical Development Department of the University for Development Studies, for the invaluable support offered in the collection of Ayoyo samples. We also recognize the cordial relationship we enjoyed from the staffs of National Reactors Research Center during the NAA analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Reactors Research Centre, National Nuclear Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana

    I. K. Baidoo, R. E. Quagraine & N. S. Opata

  2. Physics Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University for Development Studies, Box 24, Navrongo, Ghana

    J. J. Fletcher & P. K. Mensah

Authors
  1. I. K. Baidoo
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  2. J. J. Fletcher
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  3. P. K. Mensah
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  4. R. E. Quagraine
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  5. N. S. Opata
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Correspondence to I. K. Baidoo.

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Baidoo, I.K., Fletcher, J.J., Mensah, P.K. et al. Determination of mineral element composition of Ayoyo, Baobab and Dandelion vegetable green leaves in Ghana using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Food Measure 8, 389–397 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-014-9204-5

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