Study on the Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Proximate, Nutritional and Mineral Composition of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish)

Aim: This study investigated the effect of modern drying methods on the proximate, nutritional, and mineral composition of Clarias gariepinus in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: Fresh C. gariepinus were purchased from Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Samples were dissected using a sharp knife, intestinal components, and gills were removed and the edible portion was washed properly and rinsed with distilled water. Samples were treated in four groups: fresh, smoking using firewood, electric drying (200oC), and non-electric drying (200oC for 30 minutes) methods. Samples were blended using mortar and pestle into powder and kept in an air-tight container prior to analyses. Results: The proximate composition of C. gariepinus revealed that crude protein concentration was in the following proportions; electric drying method (52.16+0.01%), non-electric drying method (43.40+0.00%), smoking method (32.72+0.00%) and fresh (23.01+0.00%). The lipid content of smoked and electric-dried C. gariepinus was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the fresh sample. However, there was no significant difference between the lipid content of fresh C. gariepinus sample and non-electric dried sample. The carbohydrate content increased in the smoking and electric drying methods but decreased in the non-electric drying method. The ash content increased only in the smoking method but decreased in both the electric dryer and non-electric dryer methods. Fresh samples had the highest moisture content (74.03+0.00%) while the least was observed in the electric dried sample (38.84+0.00%). The percent anti-nutrient composition of C. gariepinus showed that smoked samples had the highest flavonoid concentration (3.252±0.00%) which was not significantly higher (p>0.05) than the flavonoid content of electric dried C. gariepinus (2.89±0.33). The levels of selected minerals showed varying concentrations of potassium, sodium and calcium for the various processing methods. Conclusion: Modern drying methods had a significant effect on the proximate component, flavonoids, and oxalate composition of C. gariepinus. Electric drying method showed to be a better method of drying Clarias gariepinus compared to other drying methods.

Production and Quality Assessment of Biscuit from Acha Flour Supplemented with Pigeon Pea

This research work evaluates the production of biscuits from blends of acha and pigeon pea flour. Acha and pigeon pea flour were blended in the ratio 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 100:0 (control) to produce biscuits. Biscuits made from this blend were analyzed for proximate analysis, antinutrient composition, physical attributes, and sensory qualities. The moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate content of the biscuits ranged from 7.87-9.84%, 7.36-8.14%, 21.99-26.33%, 0.39-0.59%, 0.87-1.24%, and 58.06-63.01%, respectively. The antinutrient composition varied from 4.24-6.82% for tannin and 3.85-4.68% for phytate. The physical attributes of the biscuits ranged from 8.34-10.98 g, 0.56-0.85 cm, 4.77-5.03, 5.99-8.59 for weight, thickness, diameter and spread ratio, respectively. The sensory evaluation showed that the biscuit sample with the blend ratio of 95% and 5% (acha to pigeon pea flour) was the most acceptable because it gave the best colour, appearance, crispness and overall acceptability. The result shows that acceptable biscuits with improved nutritional attributes can be produced from the blend of acha and pigeon pea flour. This will eliminate or reduce the problems associated with protein-energy malnutrition common in most local communities, and reduce wheat importation, thereby increasing the use of the most underutilized sources of flour in most developing countries.

Estudio de la bioaccesibilidad in vitro de zinc en arroz (oryza sativa) y su relación con el contenido de ácido fitico / In vitro bioaccesibility of zinc in rice (oryza sativa) and its relationship with phytic acid content

La bioaccesibilidad de un nutriente en un alimento sirve para determinar la calidad nutricional de éste para el consumo humano. El arroz es uno de los alimentos más importantes en la dieta por su gran aporte calórico y nutricional. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la bioaccesibilidad in vitro del zinc en arroz mediante espectrofotometría ultravioleta-visible y espectrometría de absorción atómica de llama y su relación con el contenido de ácido fítico. El porcentaje de bioaccesibilidad del zinc, respecto al porcentaje de ácido fítico, presentó una relación logarítmica inversamente proporcional (r= −0,669; p<0,05). Los valores porcentuales de bioaccesibilidad del zinc y ácido fítico en las líneas de arroz evaluadas se hallaron en un rango de 1,98,7% y 0,039-0,946% respectivamente. Se encontró que el ácido fítico afecta la bioaccesibilidad del zinc y que ésta no estuvo ligada a la concentración total del zinc presente en las líneas de arroz evaluadas. Las técnicas implementadas para cuantificar el zinc dializado presentaron diferencias significativas y se mostró que la técnica ultravioleta-visible no fue apta para este tipo de ensayos.

The bioavailability of a nutrient in a food serves to determine the nutritional quality for human consumption. Rice is one of the most important foods in diet due to its caloric and nutritional contribution. The objective of this study was to analyze the in vitro bioavailability of zinc in rice by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and flame atomic absorption spectrometry and its relationship with phytic acid content. The percentage of zinc bioaccessibility with respect to phytic acid percentage, showed an inverse proportional logarithmic relationship (r= −0.669; p<0.05). The percentage values of zinc bioavailability and phytic acid in the evaluated rice varieties had a range of 1.9-8.7% and 0.039-0.946%, respectively. Phytic acid affected the bioaccessibility of zinc and was not linked to the total concentration of zinc present in the rice lines evaluated. The techniques implemented to quantify zinc dialyzed presented significant differences. It was shown that the ultraviolet-visible technique was not suitable for this type of assay.

Amino Acid Profile, Functional Properties and In-vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita mixta Fruit Pulps and Seeds

The study aimed at evaluating the amino acid profile, fatty acid profile, anti-nutritional factors, functional properties and in-vitro antioxidant activities of Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita mixta fruit pulps and seeds. Freshly harvested Cucurbita mixta and Cucurbita maxima fruit were processed into flour as; Pa: Cucurbita maxima pulp flour, Pi: Cucurbita mixta pulp flour, Sa: Cucurbita maxima seed flour and Si: Cucurbita mixta seed flour and were evaluated for amino acid profile, fatty acid profile, anti-nutritional factors, functional properties and in-vitro antioxidant activities. Triplicate data were analysed and means were separated using New Duncan Multiple Range Test (NDMRT) at p<0.05. The protein content of the fruit pulps and seeds flour samples were 12.77 g/100 g (Pi), 13.22 g/100 g (Pa), 15.37 g/100 g (Sa) and 16.86 g/100 g (Si). Total essential amino acid was 5.33 mg/100 g of protein (Pa) 6.62 mg/100 g of protein (Pi), 9.85 mg/100 g of protein (Sa) and 14.61 mg/100 g of protein (Si). Total essential amino acid of Pi and Si are significantly higher (p>0.05) than Pa and Sa. Statistically, saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid of the Pi and Si were significantly lower (p<0.05) than Pa and Sa respectively. Antioxidant activities against ABTS* (Pi) is significantly higher (p>0.05) than Pa and with no significant differences (p<0.05) between ABTS values of Si and Sa. While there is a significant difference (p<0.05) between Si and Sa as well as Pi and Pa antioxidant activities against DPPH* respectively. In conclusion, Cucurbita seeds and pulps flour contains high protein content, appreciable amount of essential minerals, lower Na/K molar ratio of less than one and they also exhibit a good free radical scavenging abilities against DPPH*, ABTS* and ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ with high content of total phenol and flavonoid.

Effect of Fermentation on Nutrient and Anti- Nutrient Contents of Ground-Cooked Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) Seeds using Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus.

Aim: This study investigated the effect of single cultures of Bacillus subtilis and B. pumilus on nutrient and anti-nutrient contents of ground-cooked Lima bean seeds. Methodology: Lima bean seeds were ground and fermented naturally as well as with single starters of B. subtilis and B. pumilus (previously isolated from naturally fermented Lima bean seeds) for nine days. Microbial analyses, pH, total titratable acidity and the temperature of the fermenting samples were carried out on daily basis, nutritional composition at two day intervals while the anti-nutrient contents were determined before and after the fermentation period. Results: Higher microbial counts were observed in starter fermented samples than the naturally fermented samples. The pH increased throughout the fermentation period with the highest in B. subtilis fermented sample but was not significantly higher (P<.05) than B. pumilus fermented sample while the total titratable acidity which however decreased mostly in B. subtilis was also not significantly different from B. pumilus fermented sample. Temperature increased up to the fifth day in both starter samples but higher in B. subtilis fermented substrate but up to seventh day in naturally fermented sample. Starter culture fermented samples had the highest moisture, fat and ash contents at the end of the fermentation while the protein values increased in all the samples with the highest in B. subtilis fermented sample (25.34%) while B. pumilus and naturally fermented sample contained 24.32% and 22.22% respectively. Oxalate, phytic acid and cyanide were more reduced in naturally fermented sample than the starter fermented samples while the highest reductions were observed in saponin and tannin contents of B. subtilis fermented sample. Organoleptic parameters were rated better in the Lima bean seeds fermented with starter cultures than the naturally fermented sample. Conclusion: This study revealed that Lima bean seeds fermented with single starter cultures of B. subtilis and B. pumilus enhanced the nutrient contents and organoleptic qualities of the products.

Evaluación de la composición nutricional, antinutricional y biodisponibilidad in vitro de diferentes extractos foliares / Evaluation of the nutritional and antinutritional composition and in vitro bioavailability of foliar extracts

Foliar extracts (FEs) are an alternative to address food and nutrition insecurity. FEs and leaves of cassava, bean, sweet potato and alfalfa were evaluated for nutrient and antinutrient composition and in vitro nutrient bioavailability. Bean FE had a high average ± (SD) iron concentration (1006 ± 8.49 mg/kg), as did cassava FE for zinc (110.1 ± 6.72 mg/kg) and soluble protein (34.23 ± 3.81 g/kg) concentration. For the cassava, bean and alfalfa FEs in vitro protein digestibility was greater than 71.18 percent; in vitro iron dialyzability was less than 2.29 percent; the phytate:zinc molar ratio was less than 0.08, and the in vitro all-trans-β-carotene bioavailability was greater than 23.85 percent. These values suggest a high protein, zinc and all-trans- β -carotene bioavailability and a low iron bioavailability. FEs can be a nutritious alternative for those countries with low dietary diversity.

Los extractos foliares (EF) son utilizados como complemento nutricional en países como Nicaragua y Tanzania. Se evaluaron hojas y EF de yuca, fríjol, batata y alfalfa, y se cuantificó los componentes nutricionales, antinutricionales y biodisponibilidad por métodos in vitro. En promedio (DE), el EF de fríjol tiene una elevada concentración de hierro (1006,23 (8,49) mg/kg); el EF de yuca tiene alta concentración de zinc (110,65 (6,72) mg/ kg) y proteína soluble (34,23 (3,81) g/kg). Así mismo, la digestibilidad in vitro de proteína en los EFs de yuca, fríjol y alfalfa fueron superiores a 71,18 por ciento; hierro dializable in vitro menor a 2,29 por ciento; la relación molar fitato:zinc inferior a 0,08 y la bioaccesibilidad all-trans-β -caroteno superior a 23,85 por ciento. Estos valores sugieren una alta asimilación de proteína, zinc y all-trans-β -caroteno, y una baja asimilabilidad de hierro. Los EFs pueden ser una alternativa nutricional en la alimentación en países que carecen de diversificación alimentaria.

Effect of processing methods on some nutrients, antinutrients and toxic substances in amaranthus cruentus.

The presence of antinutrients and toxic substances severely limits the nutritional benefits of vegetables. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of processing methods on some of these substances. Effects of boiling and sun drying on oxalate, cyanide and nitrate, vitamin C, β-carotene, and the mineral elements Fe, Cu, Mg, Na and K in Amaranthus cruentus were investigated. Both methods significantly (p < 0.05) reduced oxalate, cyanide and nitrate levels. Vitamin C content was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. β-carotene level increased on boiling but was reduced in sundried vegetable. Boiling exceeding 5 minutes significantly (p < 0.05) reduced β-carotene level. The mineral elements decreased upon boiling but sun drying had no significant effect on their levels. We conclude that both methods are effective means of reducing the levels of antinutrients and toxic substances in Amaranthus cruentus to tolerable levels with boiling being a better method.

Caracterización química de la harina del fruto de prosopis spp. procedente de Bolivia y Brasil / Chemical characterization of integral flour from the prosopis spp. of Bolivia and Brazil

Los frutos maduros de tres especies de algarroba procedentes de Bolivia (Prosopis chilensis (Molina) Stunz, P. alba Grisebach y P. nigra (Grisebach) Hieronymus) y una de Brasil (P.juliflora (SW) DC) fueron estudiadas para determinar algunos factores nutricionales y antinutricionales. P. nigra presentó los niveles mas elevados de proteína bruta (11,33 g/100g materia seca-MS), cenizas (4,12 g /100g MS) y P. juliflora los menores niveles de lípidos (0,79 g /100g MS), proteína bruta (8,84g / 100g MS), fibra alimentaria (40,15 g/100g MS), el nivel más elevado de azúcares no reductores (52,51 g/100g MS) y la mayor digestibilidad* proteica in vitro (66,45 por ciento). La cantidad de inhibidor de tripsina (0,29 a 9,32 UTI / mg MS) fue inferior al de la soya cruda, en la cual la P. juliflora se destacó. Con relación a la saponina, hemaglutinina y polifenoles, los niveles encontrados son considerados bajos. Los niveles encontrados de nitrato son más elevados que los reportados en arvejas y frijoles, siendo la P. chilensis la que presentó el mayor valor (2,92g NO3- /kg MS). Los niveles de fitatos en las muestras variaron de 1,31 a 1,53 g/100 g MS.

The mature fruits of three species of algarroba found in Bolivia (Prosopis chilensis (Molina) Stunz, P. alba Grisebach y P. nigra (Grisebach) Hieronymus) and of one of Brazil (P. juliflora (SW) DC) were analysed for some nutritional and antinutritional factors. P. nigra showed the highest levels of crude protein (11.33 g/100g dry matter-DM) and ashes (4,12 g/100g DM). P. juliflora presented the lowest levels of lipids (0.79 g/100 g DM), crude protein (8.84 g/100 g DM) and dietary fiber (40.15 g/100g DM), and the highest levels of non reducing sugar (52.51 g/100 g DM) and in vitro protein digestibility (66.45 percent). Trypsin inhibitors concentration (0.29 to 9.32 UTI / mg DM) was inferior to that of raw soy; P. juliflora presented the higher values. Regarding saponin, hemagglutinin and poliphenol values, the levels found are considered low. As for nitrates, the levels found were higher than those reported for peas and beans, with P. chilensis presenting the highest value (2.92 g NO3-/kg DM). The levels of phytate varied from 1.31 a 1.53 g/100 g.