Assessment of essential trace elements in selected food grains, herbal spices and seeds commonly used in Kenya
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Date
2015-08
Authors
Muchemi, G. N.
Wanjau, R. N.
Murungi, I. J.
Njue, W. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract
Trace elements are essential in preserving good health and body immunity to diseases. The study was
undertaken to determine the levels of chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) in herbal
spices, food grains and edible seeds commonly used in Kenya. The levels of elements were determined
using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The herbal spices, food grains and seeds considered in
this study included coriander (Coriandrum sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinalis), garlic (Allium sativum),
cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), lemon grass (cymbogon citratus) rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis),
wheat (Triticum cestivum L.), brown rice (Oryza sativa), finger millet (Elusine coracana), bulrush millet
((Pennisetem glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), sunflower seeds (Helianthus anuus), watermelon
seeds (Citrullus lanatus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds. The results indicated that lemon grass
had the highest V levels (14.40±1.20 mg/kg) followed by ginger at (14.38±0.31 mg/kg) while coriander
seeds had the highest Cr levels (13.00±0.42 mg/kg), followed by lemon grass (12.80±1.47 mg/kg).
Bulrush millet had the highest Se levels (198.38±3.75 μg/k) followed by sorghum (151.20±12.8 μg/kg).
Pumpkin seeds had the highest level of Zn (53.54±1.44 mg/kg) followed by watermelon seeds at
41.00±5.79 mg/kg. The food grains, seeds and herbal spices could provide the body with the required
daily intake. Consumption of mixed diet could therefore provide the body with essential trace elements
that could boost the body immunity especially to those people with compromised health.
Key words: Trace elements, nutrition, herbal spices, food grains, fruit seeds, AAS.
Description
DOI: 10.5897/AJFS2015.1333
Keywords
Trace elements, Nutrition, Herbal spices, Food grains, Fruit seeds, AAS.
Citation
African Journal of Food Science http://www.academicjournals.org/AJFS, Vol. 9(8), pg. 441-447, August, 2015 DOI: 10.5897/AJFS2015.1333. Article Number: ADAE9F854664 ;2015