EVALUATION OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED EDIBLE FOODS IN BENIN CITY

Abstract

Sodium and potassium micronutrients associated with cardiovascular and other related diseases and their concentrations were determined in selected edible foods in Benin City of Nigeria using standard analytical methods. The results showed that sodium concentration in mg/100g ranged from 13.0 to 146.0 in unprocessed foods. Tomatoes had the highest value of 146.0mg/100g while soybean and maize had the least value of 13.0mg/100g. In processed foods sodium concentration in mg/100g ranged from 175 to 565 canned beans had the highest value of 565.0 while Ice cream had the lowest value. Potassium concentration in mg/100g in unprocessed food ranged from 134.0 in plantain to 584.0 in Banana. In processed foods, the values ranged from 170mg/100g in cake to 205.0mg/100g in Tin tomato. Fruits and vegetable spices for human consumption in Nigeria are cheap sources of micronutrients for healthy living.

Author

1Oviasogie, P., 2Oghenero, U., 1Ekebafe, M. O. 1Chemistry Division, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), P.M.B. 1030, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria 2Science Laboratory Technology Department, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nige