Influence of Antinutritional Factors on the Mineral Bioavailability of Red Vine Tree

(Leea Guineensis G. Don)

Abstract

Fruits represent a crucial reservoir of essential micronutrients for majority of individuals in developing nations. Nonetheless, the existence of antinutritional components hampers the efficient uptake and utilization of these essential microelements. In this study, mineral constituent, antinutritional content and their effect on the mineral bioavailability of Leea guineensis fruits were determined using standard procedures. Results revealed that sampled plants contains essential minerals in varying amounts (mg/100g) for Magnesium, (1033), Calcium (200), Sodium (218), Potassium (493), phosphorus (9.91), Iron (8.1) and Zinc (5.0) respectively. Concentrations of antinutritional factors were tannin (53.3 mg/100g), phytate (2950 mg/100g) and oxalate (510 mg/100g). Results for Ca, Fe and Zn bioavailability indicated that the oxalate: Ca ratio of 0.12 was lower than the established critical limit (2.5), which hinders calcium bioavailability. Molar ratios of 0.89, 30.9 and 58.1 obtained for phytate: Ca, phytate: Fe and phytate: Zn was above critical limits (0.5, 0.4 and 1.5).  Phytate*Ca: Zn had 290.1 which are higher than standard limit of 0.5 shows a significant effect on optimal zinc absorption and bioavailability. It can be inferred that the phytate should be reduced significantly to achieve the maximum potentials of Leea guineensis fruits in terms of calcium, iron and zinc bioavailability.