Comparative Study on the Nutritional Properties of <i>Citrullus colocynthis, Irvingia gabonensis</i> and <i>I. wombolu Seeds</i>

Abstract

Background: The effects of malnutrition due to food insecurity demand continuous and urgent efforts to salvage the situations. There are needs to compare the nutritional and anti-nutritional status of edible plant materials commonly used to help consumers make a scientific-based informed decision.
Objective: to determine and compare the nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of three seeds - Citrullus colocynthis, Irvingia gabonensis and I. wombolu.
Materials and methods: The seeds sourced from Nsukka Market and were analyzed for mineral, proximate, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions using standard protocols.
Results: The concentration of sodium, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous were higher in C. colocynthis seed compared to Irvingia species. I. wombolu had the highest calcium, and potassium contents. I. gabonensis had the highest iron content. C. colocynthis had the highest protein content, while the two Irvingia seeds had higher total fats, fatty acids, and calorific values compared to C. colocynthis seed. Vitamin C, in C. colocynthis was the least total vitamin content and the least antinutrient.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that seeds of Citrullus colocynthis, Irvingia gabonensis and I. wombolu are rich in nutritive factors, in varying proportions, and are low in antinutrient contents. With the results of this comparative study, consumers are therefore encouraged to make evidence-based decision on the choice of the seed to consume in line with their nutritional and health needs.