Determination of Vitamin C Content and Mineral Elements in Fruits Samples in Karu Metropolis, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables and their juices with high vitamin C content and antioxidant capacity result in improved health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, optimal nutrition and general well-being. This study was to determine the vitamin C content of fresh fruits juices extracted from Mango, Orange, Banana and Water melon and some Mineral elements content levels in the same samples. Fruits were purchased from Masaka local markets and its metropolis in Karu, Nasarawa State. Titration method was employed to determine the vitamin C content of test sample juices, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric method as described by AOAC was used for the elemental analysis. Results showed that the amount of vitamin C in the sample was Orange>Mango>Water melon> Banana. The mineral contents determined include: Potassium, Calcium, Sodium, Iron and Magnesium. It was observed from the result obtained that the fruits showed varying degree of concentrations of the mineral elements analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Orange was found to contain the following levels of minerals in the descending order: Potassium 374.2Mg/Kg followed by Magnesium 29.30Mg/Kg followed by Calcium 12.89Mg/Kg, Sodium 11.45Mg/Kg, and Iron 4.76Mg/Kg. Watermelon was found to contain Sodium 7.09Mg/Kg, Magnesium 7.97Mg/Kg, Calcium 8.39Mg/Kg Iron 3.08Mg/Kg and Potassium-2.63Mg/Kg in the descending order. Banana's levels of minerals stood as Potassium 438.10 Mg/Kg a value even higher than that of orange which was followed by Magnesium 47.40Mg/Kg, Sodium 16.35Mg/Kg, Iron 7.69Mg/Kg, and Calcium-18.20Mg/Kg in the descending order. Analysis of variance ANOVA (P < 0.05) reveals a statistically significance difference among the fruit samples studied. All the fruits samples were found to be within the international standards and consumers of these fruits can use them as good supplements as the case may be depending on their daily requirements.