Determination Of Nutrients And Anti-nutrients Contents Of Phoenix Dactylifera

Background: Date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) are considered a complete diet and an important item of food. It is a common fruit in Nigeria with both nutritional and anti-nutritional contents. Objective: The study investigated the proximate, minerals, vitamins, amino acid and phytochemicals composition of Phoenix dactylifera. Material and methods: The parameters evaluated were moisture contents, ash, crude protein, crude lipids, crude fibre, carbohydrates, mineral ions, vitamins, amino acids and phytochemicals. Results: Phoenix dactyliferahas a moisture content of 1.29±0.02%, ash content of 3.87±0.04%, crude protein of1.59±0.21%, crude lipids of 3.49±0.21%,the crude fibre of 2.13±0.13%, carbohydrate content of 87.61±0.34%, and caloric value of 388.21±0.48 Kcal/g. Seven mineral ions were identified; Potassium ion was highest 6.20±0.22, followed by sodium ion 6.04±0.35mg/100g, magnesium ion 2.14mg/100g, iron content was 0.52±0.11, calcium, 0.37±0.07, while copper was not detected in the sample. Vitamins A, C, and E were detected with Vitamin C having the highest amount. Both the essential and non-essential amino acids were obtained in Phoenix dactylifera. Phytochemicals including saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, oxalates, phytates, tannins and steroids were also present. Conclusion: Based on this study, Phoenix dactylifera was found to contain significant amount of carbohydrates, fiber, inorganic minerals amino acids and vitamins. Bioactive components such as; flavonoids, glycosides and tannins which can serve as a good source of energy and essential nutrients are also present.