Abstract
The vitamin composition, protein quality and mineral bioavailability of matured stems of Opuntia dillenii were investigated. The sample was analyzed using an automatic amino acid analyzer (JEOL (JLC 500/V) for the assessment of amino acids, and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for the mineral composition analysis while the vitamin composition was evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The amino acid composition ranged between 1.31g - 20.08g/100g. Arginine and leucine had the highest concentration of essential amino acids while glutamate and aspartate were the most abundant non-essential amino acid in the studied plant. The percentage Total essential amino acids (with Histidine), Total non-essential amino acids, Total aromatic amino acids, and Total sulphur amino acids were 41.8%, 56.1%, 8.1% and 5.3% respectively. The results for the protein quality indices: - the predicted protein efficiency ratios (P-PERs I, II, and III) were 2.45, 2.59 and 3.49 respectively. The amino acid scoring pattern showed valine and lysine as the limiting essential amino acids considering the requirements of pre-school children. The vitamin analysis showed that vitamin B12 and vitamin A were the most occurring vitamins. The mineral analysis results revealed magnesium, calcium and phosphorus as the most concentrated while the [phytate]/ [calcium] ratio and [phytate]/ [zinc] ratio in the sample were below the critical levels. The study has shown that matured stems of Opuntia dillenii can contribute greatly towards meeting human nutritional requirement and the high vitamin B12 content could be of important value in patients with severe sickle cell disease.
Highlights
Opuntia dillenii are part of the Cactaceae family that is extensively distributed in arid and semi-arid regions all over the world [1]
The incidence of drought and minimal rainfall limits the growth of many plant species and under these conditions, prickly pear pads are usually used as food and fodders for human and animal nutrition as a result of its high water use efficiency ratio and low water exigency and their ability to thrive under extreme conditions, makes them suitable for extensive cultivation [10]
The paucity of information as regards to the nutrient composition of Opuntia plants grown in South Eastern Nigeria has aggravated the investigation of the protein quality and mineral bioavailability of the matured stems of Opuntia dillenii grown in Nigeria
Summary
Opuntia dillenii are part of the Cactaceae family that is extensively distributed in arid and semi-arid regions all over the world [1]. Harvested Cactus pear cladodes regarded as vegetables, present a high water content and minor proportions of dietary fiber, lipids and calcium [5]. They are rich in antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, β-carotene, lutein and xanthophylls [6, 7]. The unending quest for Assessment of Vitamins, Protein Quality and Mineral Bioavailability of Matured Stems of Opuntia dillenii Grown in Nigeria proteins and micro-nutrients from non-leguminous sources remains a continuous endeavor.
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