Comparative Studies of Mineral Contents, Nutrient Density (ND) and Contributed Recommended Dietary Allowance (CRDA) of Punica Granatum Pulp from Nigeria and Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The study compared mineral contents, nutrient density (ND) and contributed recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Punica granatum pulp: source from Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The study showed that some micro and macro elements such as Fe, Zn, Mg, Ca, Cu, and P were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (A.A.S) while Na, K were determined using flame photometer for Na and K. The Saudi Arabia and Nigerian samples contained Magnesium (637.0±0.10 842.0±0.11), Copper (24.30±0.06-4.7±0.06) and Zinc (8.50±0.12-1.80±0.06). in all of the results are within the allowance values. The results from this study showed that the fruit’s pulp can provide the basic nutrients that is required by an adult. The percentage of nutrient density analysis for the entire elements Fe, Zn, Mg, Ca, Cu, Na, K, were found higher than 100% except for phosphorus in Nigeria sample, it means that it can provide the daily nutrient of an adult. The results indicated that Punica granatum pulp of Nigerian origin are better sources of Cu, Fe and Zn compared to Saudi Arabian Sample. The results can be used as a source of information for dietary planning by the government.