Assessment of Micronutrients of Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum melongena Fruits Consumed in Burkina Faso

Aim: In Burkina Faso, low micronutrients intake is one of factors responsible of under five years children malnutrition. Research on local food to find best vegetables rich in micronutrients is a way to improve children nutrition. The aim of this study is to assess micronutrients content in the fruits of Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum melongena grown in Burkina Faso.

Methodology: From three markets of Ouagadougou city, fresh samples of fruits of the two plants have been purchased. After one month drying in laboratory at 25°C, the dried samples were used to determine content of Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Phosphor (P), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) using flam photometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: The results showed high content of K, Mg and Ca in the fruits. The content of Na, P is also satisfying. Fe and Zn known as trace elements are also well represented in the two fruits. The values were 3582, 187, 126, 87, 29, 21 and 2 mg/100 g for K, Mg, Ca, Na, P, Fe and Zn, respectively for the fruits of S. aethiopicum. S. melongena fruits had 2991, 317, 207, 135, 30, 6 and 4 mg/100 g for K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, Fe and Zn, respectively.

Conclusion: These two fruits are important sources of micronutrients and must be included in children diet to improve their nutritional status.