Proximate, Antinutrient and Mineral Contents of Aframomum danielli (Ataiko) Seed

Background: Plant seeds are rich in nutrients and antinutrients which interfere with bioavailability of minerals.

Objective: This research was aimed at evaluating the proximate, anti-nutrients and minerals compositions and estimation of relative mineral bioavailability of Aframomum danielli seed (Ataiko).

Methods: Proximate composition was assessed by AOAC methods, minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and anti-nutrients by titrimetric methods.

Results: Proximate compositions in percentage revealed carbohydrate with (51.95±0.15), crude fibre (16.00±0.10) and fat (2.35±0.15) was least. Caloric value (kcal 100 g) was 286.55±2.75 Phytate (1.98±0.03%) was higher than oxalate (0.06±0.00%). Major mineral percentage included phosphorus (7401.43 ± 318.24) and sulphur (1926.58 ± 21.49), minor minerals were in trace amounts. Molar ratios of phytate: Fe, Zn and Ca and oxalate:Ca were above their critical values.

Conclusion: A. daneilli seed is rich in nutrients, has high caloric value. High intake could lead to micronutrient malnutrition.