Determination of Immune-Boosting Trace Elements In Selected Fruit Seeds

Abstract

The deluge of processed food in the world has led to an incalculable number of health problems and increased mortality. Consequently, a healthy and long life has become a gem that every human being is chasing in this modern society. Due to the lacuna of information about a healthy lifestyle, scientists have shifted their focal point to carry out painstaking research in the field of nutrition such as trace elements. Reviewing prior literature, it is evident that controlled intake of trace elements leads to healthy skin and hair, aids in blood sugar control, prevents osteoporosis, and is involved in protein synthesis, treatment of hypertension, and inflammatory conditions. Intake of large amounts of the elements brings about health problems lowering the body's immunity. This study analyzed trace elements of selected fruit seeds (watermelon seeds, orange seeds, pawpaw seeds, avocado seeds) commonly consumed in Kendu Bay, Homa Bay County, and club 36, Nairobi County to determine the moisture content and levels of trace elements in the seeds then compare the concentrations of the trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn) in the various selected fruit seeds with the limits recommended by WHO and FAO. The wet digestion method was used to digest them after which they were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average moisture content in orange, pawpaw, watermelon, and avocado seeds was 50.26%, 87.38, 72.19%, and 63.75 respectively. The levels of the trace elements were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results indicated that all the trace elements positively correlated with copper, giving a strong correlation coefficient (r=0.9997) with a regression equation of y=0.0238x-0.0002, while manganese had the lowest correlation (r= 0.9617). Pawpaw seeds from Kendu Bay had the highest levels of zinc (0.6020±0.5794mg/kg), magnesium (4.2270±0.1479mg/kg), and manganese (0.2743±0.0564mg/kg). Avocado seed from club 36 had the lowest levels of zinc (0.2102±0.0076mg/kg) and magnesium (1.6063±0.0594mg/kg). Orange seeds from club 36 recorded the highest levels of copper (0.1597±0.0005mg/kg), while pawpaw seeds from club 36 recorded the lowest levels of copper (0.1177±0.0004mg/kg). It is evident from the results that magnesium was the abundant trace mineral in all the fruit seed samples, with a concentration of 4.2270±0.1479mg/kg in pawpaw seeds from Kendu Bay. Manganese and copper recorded the lowest levels across all samples. Comparing the results with WHO/FAO permissible limits for trace minerals in food, all elements in the fruit seed samples were below and within the permissible levels. Iron contents were below the detection limit in all samples. The findings of this study will provide additional information on the immune-boosting trace elements present in the selected fruit seeds from Kendu Bay and Club 36, Nairobi. The study will be of great importance to nutritionists, consumers worldwide, and health agencies in creating awareness of the health benefits of fruit seed consumption