Macro Minerals Research Articles

PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN SATE LILIT IKAN BANDENG SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN DAN STATUS GIZI BAGI MASYARAKAT

Food is essential for human survival. The government has to provide and distribute food which is affordable and safe for the people to consume. The society in Muara Gembong District, Bekasi Regency, mainly makes a living from fish farming, agriculture, and trade. A vivid example of food availability is the utilization of local resources through 'food modification'. One popular culinary product is satay, which is usually made from meat. However, in this particular training, we used a local raw material, namely milkfish, as the main ingredient for making sate lilit (a type of satay). Milkfish contains high protein, namely around 20-24%; rich with micro and macro minerals; as well as has a soft, chewy, and savory texture. The results of the training, based on the results of the pre-test and post-test, showed an n-gain score of 0.6. This number signifies that the making of sate lilit was medium. Furthermore, in an effort to follow up on the aforementioned result, we hope that SMAN 1 Muara Gembong can become a part of the mentoring groups of the study program.

Nutritional Composition Profile of Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor) Reared on Different Substrate: A Potential Protein Substitute for Fishmeal

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) insect meal has been adjudged a protein source for human and livestock consumption. Substrates of agricultural by-product are been used to rear this insect, and it is of importance to investigate the implication of substrate on the content of the end product. This study was conducted to assess the nutrient composition of T. molitor cultured on three grain by-products as growth substrate media [Rice Bran (RB), Corn Bran (CB) and Wheat Bran (WB)] for 90 days. Harvested larvae were sundried, ground into powder and analysed for proximate composition as well as mineral content and the data statistical analysed. Protein was highest in CB reared larvae 51.33% with least in RB reared larvae 46.74%. Fat was high in all sampled substrate reared mealworm. Ash content in CB and WB was significantly different (P<0.05) from RB reared larvae. Macro mineral Mg and Na are not significantly different, while micro mineral profile showed significant variations (P<0.05). The nutritional composition of T. molitor in this study positioned it as a potential substitute for incorporation into fish feed formulation as animal protein source.

Impact of Thermosonication Treatment on Parsley Juice: Particle Swarm Algorithm (PSO), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), and Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

Thermosonication (TS), also known as ultrasonic-assisted heat treatment, is gaining attention in liquid product processing due to its ability to improve quality parameters and can serve as an alternative to thermal treatments. The parsley juice (TS-PJ) was subjected to thermosonication treatment (frequency: 26 kHz; power: 200 W; amplitude 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100%; temperature: 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 °C; time: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 min) and was compared with untreated control parsley juice (C-PJ) and pasteurized treated (P-PJ) (85 °C/2 min) parsley juice samples. The objectives of the research work were to determine the effect of thermosonication on the quality attributes such as total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid of parsley juice using particle swarm algorithm (PSO), multiple linear regression (MLR), and response surface methodology (RSM). Thermosonication enhanced the bioactive compounds of parsley juice. The results showed that 15 phenolic compounds were detected in the samples. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in gallic acid contents in ultrasound-treated TS-PJ. There was no significant difference in total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content between C-PJ and TS-PJ samples. Na and K from macro minerals and Fe and Zn from micro minerals were high in PJ samples. While K contents were increased, P contents were lower in the TS-PJ sample. RSM modeling provided superior prediction compared to MLR. PSO, on the other hand, made good predictions intuitively. Thermosonication enriched parsley juice's bioactive components and had positive health effects.

The Study of Body Condition Score and Macro Minerals on Fertile and Repeat Breeding Cattle in Ngaglik Sub-District

Beef is a source of animal protein in demand by the Indonesians. The development of cattle breeding in Indonesia needs to grow. One factor that causes the stagnation of cattle breeding is reproductive disorders. A reproductive disorder that local farmers in Indonesia often find is repeat breeding. This study aimed to know the Body Condition Score (BCS), Sodium (Na), and Chloride (Cl) between fertile and repeat-breeding cattle. This study used ten Simmental-PO cattle, and the research was conducted in Ngaglik Sub-District, Sleman City, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. Cattle were divided into two groups, with five cattle in each group. Anamnesis examinations among farmers and reproduction records tests aimed to determine the fertile and repeat breeding cattle. Furthermore, body condition scoring is achieved by examining and palpating the costume and vertebrae. Blood samples were collected to determine the sodium and chlorine levels. Body Condition Score parameters among cattle were analyzed descriptively, and Na and Cl levels were analyzed using an independent T-test. The results of the BCS study on fertile cattle are 3,3 on average, and repeat breeding cattle are 2,5 on average. In addition, the results of the Na study on fertile cattle were 132.7±3.8, and repeat-breeding cattle were 131.6±2.5 (P&gt;0.05). The results of the Cl study on productive cattle were 91.7±3.0 and repeat-breeding cattle 89.3±4.7 (P&gt;0.05). The conclusion is that BCS is fertile range 2-3 and repeats breeding range 3-4. In conclusion, Na and Cl have no significant differences in productive and repeat-breeding cattle.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Electro Spectroscopic Characterisation of Some Indigenous Nigerian Leafy Vegetables as Prospective Mineral Sources In Human Diets

Minerals are nutrients that are needed in macro and micro amounts to guarantee proper body function. They are obtaineable from plant and natural sources. There has been continuous change in climatic conditions and this has resulted to low yield, pest infestation, loss of farm land, and concomitant low income generated from vegetables that are consumed regularly. The regular cuisines are becoming scarce and expensive with many households not aware of possible sources of suitable substitute to complement and supplement mineral requirements. This study examined the mineral composition of some indigenous leafy vegetables that can be consumed by humans as an alternate source of mineral. Colocasia esculenta (red Cocoyam), Laportea aestuans (L) (Tropical nettle weed), Daucus carota L (Carrot leaves), Manihot esculenta, Crantz (Cassava leaves) and Sesamum indicum (Sesame leaves) were collected and authenticated. Inductively coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry was used to analyse the mineral composition of each of the leaves. Microminerals like Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Silicon, and Zinc were present in amount sufficient to fufill the daily required intake when 100 g of the plant was consumed. Macrominerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium were also observed to be in quantities able to supply the recommended daily allowance on consumption of 100 g of the plant. The plants are rich in micro and macro minerals and therefore should be explored further as prospective sources of minerals for humans.

Role of Micronutrients (Vitamins &amp; Minerals)

Micronutrients are essential nutrients. Micronutrients are needed mostly below 100 milligrams per day for human nutrition, although macronutrients are needed in grams daily. Essential nutrients cannot be produced in human beings and, therefore needed by the diet. Micronutrients play a fundamental role in digestion and tissue maintenance but effects in inhibiting or medication of sickness which is not caused by lack of nutrients cannot be predictable from increasing the consumption. Medical insufficiency of nutrients is unfamiliar in industrialized nations i.e. High consumption of micronutrients such as folic acid and b-carotene is linked with a high threat of long-term illnesses for example cardiovascular disease, and inferior threat of congenital heart disease and cancer at different places. Above 2 billion persons in both developing and industrial Countries are disturbed by deficiencies. The actions or absorption of vitamins is slowed down by Anti-vitamins i.e., enzymes that use vitamin B1 are suppressed by Pyrithiamine. Biotin absorption is inhibited by avidin, although by cooking it is inactivated. In the human body four main basic elements (O, H, C, and N) by weight, are often not involved in the tilts of main minerals. For plants, nitrogen is a “mineral" because it is normally involved in manures. 96% of the weight of the human body is composed of these elements, and the remaining percent is composed of trace elements and macrominerals. Phosphorus, Calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium (macro minerals, microelements) are the five main elements in the human body. Sulfur, manganese, molybdenum, copper, iodine, selenium zinc, chlorine, cobalt, and iron are microelements, with specific biological functions in the human body. The current review analyzes the different methodologies for the study of nutritive consumption of micronutrients and will reflect the indication of the valuable influence of the supplements of micronutrients on health.

Macro Mineral Profile of Several Species of Brown Macroalgae from Lemukutan Waters as Biostimulant Candidates

Biostimulants are natural or synthetic substances that can be used to stimulate plant growth, development, and defense responses and can be obtained from various sources such as plants, phytohormones, and microorganisms. Macroalgae is one of the potential marine biota that can be used as a biostimulant because it contains a lot of chemicals such as micro, macro minerals, and phytohormones. As a first step in exploring macroalgae from the waters of Lemukutan Island as biostimulant candidates, this research was carried out to determine the macro mineral content of calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus from macroalgae types Turbinaria and Sargassum. The research was carried out using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis method. The results of determining the macro mineral content show that Turbinaria sp has a Calcium (Ca) content of 13.20 mg/kg, Potassium (K) of 31.24 mg/kg, Sodium (Na) of 21,45 mg/kg and Magnesium (Mg) of 17.5 mg/kg, while Sargassum sp has a Calcium (Ca) content of 10.50 mg/kg, Potassium (K) of 26.35 mg/kg, Sodium (Na) of 30.55 mg/kg and Magnesium (Mg) of 18.7 mg/kg. Keywords: Biostimulants, AAS, macro minerals, phytohormones. Abstrak Biostimulan adalah substansi alami atau sintetis yang dapat digunakan untuk merangsang pertumbuhan, perkembangan, dan respons pertahanan tanaman dan dapat diperoleh dari berbagai sumber seperti tanaman, fitohormon dan mikroorganisme. Makroalga adalah salah satu biota potensial dari laut yang dapat digunakan sebagai biostimulan karena kandungan kimianya sangat banyak seperti mineral mikro, makro dan fitohormon. Sebagai langkah awal dalam eksplorasi makroalga dari perairan pulau Lemukutan sebagai kandidat biostimulan, maka penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menentukan kandungan makro mineral kalsium, kalium, natrium dan posfor dari makroalga jenis Turbinaria dan Sargassum. Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan metode analisis spektrofotometri serapan atom (SSA). Hasil penentuan kandungan mineral makro tersebut menunjukkan Turbinaria sp memiliki kandungan Kalsium (Ca) sebesar 13,20 mg/kg, Kalium (K) sebesar 31,24 mg/kg, Natrium (Na) sebesar 21,45 mg/kg dan Magnesium (Mg) sebesar 17,5 mg/kg, sedangkan Sargassum sp memiliki kandungan Kalsium (Ca) sebesar 10,50 mg/kg, Kalium (K) sebesar 26.35 mg/kg, Natrium (Na) sebesar 30.55 mg/kg dan Magnesium (Mg) sebesar 18,7 mg/kg. Kata kunci : Biostimulan, SSA, mineral makro, fitohormon.

Unveiling the Compositional Analysis of Green Coffee Beans with and without Silver Skin.

Green Coffee Bean (GCB) is covered with silver skin that is shed as a by-product of the roasting process. For the first time, a comparative study was conducted to differentiate the compositional analysis of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The study aims comparatively assessing nutritional, anti-nutritional and fatty acids composition of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The present study is also intended to find out various organic compounds of green coffee beans. The proximate analysis was used to study nutritional composition. Mineral analysis was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antinutrients like phytic acid and tannin were assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy whereas volumetric and gravimetric analysis was used to determine oxalates and alkaloids. Gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy were used for studying fatty acids and organic compounds, respectively. Protein content was significantly (p<0.05) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, indicating 15% higher protein. Macro mineral content was also found significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, whereby 5.11% higher Phosphorus and 24.12% higher Calcium content was observed. However, iron content was 68.10% lower in green coffee beans with silver skin which might be due to its higher tannin content. Trace minerals zinc and copper were also found to contain 57.18% to 18.11% higher concentrations respectively in silver skin. Anti-nutritional analysis revealed the content of phytic acid and tannin as 161 and 77.29 mg/100g, respectively in green coffee beans with silver skin. The percentages of oxalates and alkaloids were found to be 0.64 and 14.30. These anti-nutritional compounds were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) higher from green coffee beans without silver skin. Green coffee beans have been found with an utmost number of saturated fatty acids having palmitic acid as the most abundant. The unsaturated part is mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid. Chlorogenic acid isomers and caffeine were the organic compounds detected through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These findings reveal the presence of both nutritional and anti-nutritional components in Coffee silver skin, with significantly higher levels of anti-nutritional factors in green coffee with silver skin, emphasizing the need for caution in the consumption of green coffee and utilization of coffee silver skin as a valuable bioresource.

88 Impacts of trace mineral source and ancillary drench on steer performance during a 60-day backgrounding phase

Abstract This experiment evaluated the impacts of supplementing organic complexed Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn on productive and health responses of high-risk beef cattle during a 60-d backgrounding phase. Crossbred steers (n = 120) were purchased at auction and transported to the experimental facility. Steer BW was recorded at arrival (d -1; initial shrunk BW = 227.7 ± 1.3 kg). On d 0, steers were ranked by BW and allocated to 1 of 8 groups (8 steers/group) and housed in drylot pens (6 m x 12 m) equipped with GrowSafe automated feeding systems (Model 8000; 2 bunks/pen; d 0 to 60). Groups were randomly assigned to receive a total mixed ration (TMR; 47% corn) containing: 1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn (INR; n = 40); 2) organic complexed sources of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn (AAC; Zinpro Availa 4; Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN; n = 40); or 3) AAC and an organic complexed trace mineral drench (APF; 30 mL/hd; Zinpro ProFusion, Zinpro Corp.) on d 0 and ancillary to morbidity treatment (n = 40). Diets provided the same daily amount of energy, protein, macro minerals and trace minerals based on 7 g/steer daily of Zinpro Availa 4. Steers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs daily. Liver biopsies were performed on day 0, 28 and 60. Final BW was recorded on d 60 and 61. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 2, 6, 10, 13, 21, 28 and 45. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.23) for TMR intake, final BW, ADG, feed efficiency, or BRD incidence. Mean liver Co concentrations were greater (P = 0.02) in AAC and APF compared with INR steers. Mean liver Cu was greater (P = 0.02) in APF compared with AAC steers. Liver Zn tended to be greater (P = 0.10) on d 28 but less (P = 0.05) on d 60 for INR compared with AAC and APF steers. Plasma cortisol was least (P = 0.05) for steers supplemented with AAC on d 6, whereas AAC steers tended to have greater (P = 0.09) plasma cortisol on d 13 compared with APF. Plasma haptoglobin tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.10) for INR steers on d 28 and 45 compared with AAC and APF. While supplementing cattle with AAC or INR results in similar animal performance and clinical disease, AAC and APF reduces stress and acute phase protein responses.

Determination of Essential Elements in Selected Nuts Produced in Kenya

Nuts, when eaten regularly, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. They contain healthy fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids and are high in protein, vitamins, fiber, phenolics, phytosterols, and essential minerals. Essential minerals are important in preserving good health and body immunity against infections. They are categorized as macro minerals or micro minerals. This study intends to determine the essential elements present in macadamia nuts and peanuts and explain the importance of these nuts to human health and the intake suitable for consumption. The two nuts were collected in triplets from each study area and transported to the University of Nairobi, Department of Chemistry laboratory. The moisture content of the nuts was determined by the gravimetric method. The samples were then wet digested followed by determination of the essential elements using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Moisture content results were as follows: Macadamia nuts recorded an average moisture content of 15.68% while that of peanuts was 3.89%. The spectrum of correlation coefficients extends from +1 to 0.9036. The results indicated that macadamia nuts from Magumoni had the highest levels of Ca (15.25 ± 0.35 mg/kg), Na (10.99 ± 0.17 mg/kg), Fe (6.96 ± 0.18 mg/kg), Mn (0.465 ± 0.276 mg/kg) and Cu (1.01 ± 0.45 mg/kg). Peanuts from the Kangemi market had the highest levels of Mg (49.45 ± 4.71 mg/kg), K (46.95 ± 0.35 mg/kg), and Zn (0.49 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Mg was the most abundant essential element in both nut samples. Comparing the results with WHO/FAO permissible limits for essential elements in food, the concentration of Fe, Zn, and Cu were within the recommended limits. The levels of K, Na, Mn, Ca, and Mg were below the recommended limits by WHO

Phytonutrients in black nightshade fruit (Solanum nigrum L.) growing in Bulgaria

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is a medicinal plant with wild populations found in different regions of Bulgaria. The aim of this study was to analyze the availability of selected phytonutrients in the fruits, and, in particular, their presence in two individual fruit structures (seeds and peels) regarded as by-products in juice production. Fresh fruits were characterized by their diameter (8.42±0.62 mm) and absolute weight (393.75±38.00 g/1000 pcs). The seeds contained 9.81% lipids, while their content in the peels was negligible. The main fatty acids in the extracted lipid fraction were linoleic (48.0%), oleic (27.8%) and palmitic (19.6%), with 76.6% share of unsaturated fatty acids. β-Sitosterol (70.80%) predominated in the sterol fraction, and γ-tocopherol (100%) – in the tocopherol fraction of the extracted oil. The main soluble carbohydrates in the seeds were glucose (2.78%) and fructose (2.42%), while the respective quantities in the peels were 4.21% and 3.82%. The cellulose content of the two fruit parts was 14.90% and 15.70%, respectively. The most abundant macro minerals in the seeds were K (15109.34 mg/kg) and Mg (1988.07 mg/kg), and the main micro minerals – Fe (53.68 mg/kg) and Zn (37.77 mg/kg). The peels contained the respective dietary minerals in substantially higher quantities; K (31373.32 mg/kg), Na (3348.46 mg/kg), Ca (2365.82 mg/kg). The results from the study contribute to a more complex appreciation of the nutritional potential of black nightshade fruit available in Bulgaria and the prospects for their processing into value-added products

Comparison of Blood Mineral Levels of Norduz Goats of Different Ages Fed on Pasture at the End of the Lactation Period

This study was carried out to determine some makro and micro mineral levels in the blood of a total of 26 Norduz goats (at the end of 1st lactation (n=10), at the end of 2nd lactation (n=8), at the end of 3rd lactation (n=8)) fed in pasture at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Research and Application Farm (Van, Turkiye). For this purpose, blood samples were duly taken from goats that had completed the lactation period at the beginning of June. Some macro mineral’s levels (potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na)) and some micro mineral’s levels (cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb)) in samples of serum obtained from blood samples collected from goats were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results were subjected to all statistical analysis using SPSS 24.0 version (IBM SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA) (SPSS, 2016). All statistically significant differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) were compared and ranked with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Later, the relationships between minerals were revealed by Pearson Correlation Coefficient (P≤0.05). In addition, in this study, the ranking of macro and micro minerals and the rates of some of these minerals (Ca/Mn, Ca/Mg, Ca/Zn, Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, Fe/Mn, Fe/Zn, K/Mg, K/Na, K/Mn) were also presented.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Levels in Blood of Anatolian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Raised in Bitlis Province

In this study, which aims to determine the levels of heavy metals, in the blood of 20 Anatolian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) aged 12-18 months, raised in Bitlis province, Güroymak District and fed with ready-made feed ad-libitum in pasture + pen conditions. 3 macro minerals and 14 micro minerals were found in the blood. The levels of a total of 17 minerals were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Among the macro minerals levels were Ca 43.896±1.216 ppm, Mg 11.381±0.325 ppm, K 133.175±13.959 ppm and micro minerals levels were Al 0.710±0.090 ppm, As 0.027±0.006 ppm, Ba 0.038±0.006 ppm, Co 0.006±0.002 ppm, Cr 0.055±0.010 ppm, Cu 0.218±0.033 ppm, Fe 0.83 2±0.051 ppm, Mn 0.024±0.003 ppm, Mo 0.009±0.002 ppm, Se 0.084±0.009 ppm, Sr 0.050±0.004 ppm, Ti 0.046±0.011 ppm, V 0.058 ±0.014 ppm and Zn 0.168±0.025 ppm. Relationships between minerals are revealed by Pearson Correlation Coefficient (p&amp;lt;0.05). In addition, in this study, the ranking of macro and micro minerals and the relative values of some of these minerals (As/Se, Ca/Mg, Ca/Mn, Ca/Zn, Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, K/Mg, Mn/Fe, Mn/ Mg, Zn/Fe) were presented.

Variation and genetic basis of mineral content in potato tubers and prospects for genomic selection.

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in many parts of the world. Among other nutrients, minerals are necessary in the human diet. Potato tubers are a good source of minerals; they contribute 18% of the recommended dietary allowance of potassium; 6% of copper, phosphorus, and magnesium; and 2% of calcium and zinc. Increased public interest in improving the nutritional value of foods has prompted the evaluation of mineral content in tubers of advanced genotypes from the Texas A&M Potato Breeding Program and the investigation of the genetics underlying mineral composition in tubers. The objectives of this study were to i) assess phenotypic variation for mineral content in tubers of advanced potato genotypes, ii) identify genomic regions associated with tuber mineral content, and iii) obtain genomic-estimated breeding values. A panel of 214 advanced potato genotypes and reference varieties was phenotyped in three field environments in Texas for the content of 12 minerals in tubers and genotyped using the Infinium Illumina 22K V3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Array. There was significant variation between potato genotypes for all minerals evaluated except iron. As a market group, red-skinned potatoes had the highest amount of minerals, whereas russets had the lowest mineral content. Reds had significantly higher P, K, S, and Zn than russets and significantly higher P and Mg than chippers. Russets had significantly higher Ca, Mg, and Na than chippers. However, the chippers had significantly higher K than the russets. A genome-wide association study for mineral content using GWASpoly identified three quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with potassium and manganese content on chromosome 5 and two QTL associated with zinc content on chromosome 7. The loci identified will contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of mineral content in potatoes. Genomic-estimated breeding values for mineral macro and micronutrients in tubers obtained with StageWise will guide the selection of parents and the advancement of genotypes in the breeding program to increase mineral content in potato tubers.

Nutrient Profiling, ICP-OES Mineral Analysis and UPLC Estimation of Amino Acids in Three Selected Ethnomedicinal Plants of North East India

Background: Ethnomedicinal plants are rich traditional resources of Northeast India. Most of these plants are edible and are used as food by the tribal population of Northeast India. Quantitative nutritional analyses of three ethnomedicinal wild edible plant from Northeast India namely: Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum Edgew, Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane and Mabb. and Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce were carried out to identify the occurrence and abundance of nutrients, minerals and amino acids. Methods: Proximate nutrients were estimated by standard AOAC methods. ICP-OES mineral analyzer was used to screen and quantify individual mineral elements. By performing UPLC analysis the presence and abundance of amino acids were investigated. Result: Proximate analysis revealed that the plant species contains adequate amounts of protein, fibre and ash. From nutritional perspectives, low fat and carbohydrate in these species specifies that they are desirable diet for human nutrition. In regard to mineral content, the plant species were rich in macro minerals K, Ca, Na and Mg. Heavy metals were found within the recommended dietary permissible limits for humans. All the essential and non essential amino acids excluding cysteine, methionine and histidine were present in reasonable quantities. The plant species may be exploited to provide quality diets to mitigate nutrient deficiency. Adding together its nutritional and medicinal properties it may potentially be utilized in therapeutics. The further scope of the research involves ascertaining their potentiality in food-based strategies to perk up nutritional health.

Use of Macro-Minerals of Fluted Pumpkin in Evaluation of Remediation Potentials of Crude Oil Impacted Soil by Cow Horn Powder at Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The objective of this work is to assess the remediation potentials of cow horn powder using fluted pumpkin grown on crude oil contaminated soil at Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Data shows that the ZgCH group showed a better treatment than XgCH and YgCH in enhancing the level of the minerals (Na =67.1±0.00, N = 111±0.41, Ca = 493±0.00) when compared with the level of the minerals in the -Ve C (Na = 39.0±0.06, N = 65.4±0.03, Ca = 367±0.00). The results after the 8th week of remediation showed that cow horn powder significantly improved the macro minerals concentration of fluted pumpkin leaves grown on crude oil-impacted soil across all the cow horn powder treated groups compared to the -Ve C and NC groups. In conclusion, cow horn powder can enhance the mineral concentration of plants grown on crude oil-impacted soil.

Exploring the Confluence of In-Ovo Mineral Supplementation and Hatching Attributes in Broiler Chick Progeny: A Symphony of Nutritional Enrichment and Broiler Chicks Development

Embryonic nutrition is a key factor that influences broiler progeny performance with long-lasting nutritional adequacies or insufficiencies in the developmental phase. Objective: To explores the effects of in-ovo mineral supplementation or day in-ovo feeding on the hatching attributes and chick quality in broiler breeders. Methods: About 1400 hatching eggs of broiler breeders were selected, categorized into seven experimental groups: one control group, three macro mineral (P, Mg, and Ca) groups, and three micro-mineral (Zn, Mn, and Cu) groups. During the 12th and 18th day of incubation, eggs received in-ovo injections of their respective mineral (5% of the total mineral content in a 50g egg) solutions, prepared by dissolving the corresponding salts in deionized water. Post-injection, eggs were placed in the setter, and upon completion of incubation, hatching trays were removed to evaluate hatchability performance and chick quality parameters for each group. Results: The results showed that Zn, Ca, and Mg-supplemented eggs demonstrated the highest (P&lt;0.05) hatchability rates for settable and fertile eggs at day 12 of in-ovo feeding. The chick weight, hatch window, and hatchling size were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05) by in-ovo feeding and the day of in-ovo feeding. However, no effect of in-ovo mineral feeding and day of in ovo feeding was observed on chick quality (chick grades, navel area, retracted yolk, and membrane score) and post-hatch chick activities (activity, down-appearance, vitality, eye score, and gait score). Conclusions: In conclusion, Zn, Ca, and Mg in ovo feeding improve the hatchability traits when administered at day 12 of incubation.

Response of Black Nightshade to Different Cropping Systems and the Effect on Physiological Parameters and Mineral Composition

In southern African countries, production of indigenous leafy vegetables is commonly practiced at home garden and/or commercial level due to their significant contribution toward eradication of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is among African leafy vegetable (ALV) highly recognised for its pharmacological and nutritive benefits. Several research have shown that ALVs can be cultivated in the open field or greenhouses, however, little information is available on the changes of the agronomical parameters and mineral composition. The aim of the study was to compare the physiological parameters and mineral composition of nightshade grown in the open field vs. greenhouse cropping systems. The results of the study revealed high-leaf area and relative chlorophyll content in the open field conditions while plant height and the number of leaves were reportedly higher under the greenhouse system. Minerals elements such as magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, and aluminium were significantly higher in the open field cropping system, while greenhouse cultivation recorded higher sulphur and boron. Notably, no significant amount was observed in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium between open field and greenhouse system. Furthermore, a significant amount of total nitrogen was reported in the open field, however, no significant difference was observed in moisture and ash content for both cropping systems. In conclusion, black nightshade cultivated in open field provided higher leaf chlorophyll, leaf area, and trace elements compared to greenhouse cultivation while macro minerals concentration had no significant difference in both cropping systems.

Correlation of Dietary Macro- and Micro-Mineral Intake with Seminal Plasma Quality/Quantity and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Infertile Compared to the Normal Men: a Case-Control Study.

Male infertility is a global public health issue, but studies on the correlation between the dietary components and sperm quality showed inconclusive results due to the heterogeneous population with different dietary habits and environmental stimuli. Herein, the correlation of dietary macro- and micro-mineral intake was evaluated with quality/quantity and oxidant/antioxidant status of seminal fluid in infertile compared to the healthy men. One hundred twenty men attending to the infertility clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City were enrolled. Seminal fluid was extracted, and groups were categorized into the infertile (non-standard) and normal (standard) groups based on the WHO, 2020 criteria. Food frequency questionnaire was completed. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by ELISA kit based on the manufacture's instruction. An independent sample t-test was used to determine differences between the two groups, and linear regression model was used to determine the effect of each dietary macro/micro mineral intake on these parameters. Adjusting for all parameters, dietary selenium increased 3.7-folds the seminal TAC level (p=0.04) and decreased sperm with non-progressive motility by 2.4-folds (p=0.04). Higher manganese intake increased the sperm count by 7.8-folds (p=0.005). Dietary copper decreased sperm vitality and increased sperm with slow motility (OR= -1.7, 95% CI= -59.8, -9.9; p=0.007). Dietary zinc (OR=1.24, p=0.01) and iron (OR=1.5, p=0.02) showed a positive effect on sperm vitality. None of macro and micro minerals showed a significant effect on the seminal MDA level. Daily intake of adequate amounts of micro and macro minerals improves sperm quality and increases the antioxidant capacity of the seminal fluid; however, copper showed a negative correlation that must be evaluated in future studies.

A critical study of Gandhaka Shodhana

Gandhaka or Sulphur is a non-metallic solid element found in nature. Gandhaka or Sulphur is required in human body for proper functioning. It is the third most abundant mineral (after calcium and phosphorus) based on percentage of total body weight. It is the sixth most abundant macro mineral in breast milk. It is present in saliva, bile, protein, amino acids, and insulin. Sulphur is mainly present in sulphur containing amino acids like cystine. Gandhaka in the body purifies blood, aids healthy digestion, and prevents toxic build-up. In Ayurveda, Gandhaka is used in the treatment of variety of diseases since time immemorial. It as a free element cannot be utilized by the body, so in Ayurveda, first it is detoxified to get ShuddhaGandhak, and then given Bhavana of herbal ingredients that make it suitable for use. ShuddhaGandhak is combined with ShuddhaParad or purified mercury to form Kajjali which is further used to prepare Ras-Aushadhi. In combination with mercury, it is used in almost all diseases.