Level of minerals in ten leafy vegetables eaten in Enugu State Nigeria

Background: Vegetables are parts of plants that are consumed by humans and other animals as food and they provide adequate amounts of many vitamins and minerals for human Objective: To determine the levels of minerals in sun-dried different vegetables sourced locally in the South- East region of Nigeria Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, leafy vegetables; Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu), Vitex doniana (Uchakiri), Pterocapus santahnoides (Uturukpa), Ceiba pentanda (Akwukwo Akpu), Colocasia antiquorum (Mpoto ede), Curcurbita pepo (Ugbogiri), Corchorus olitorus (Ahihara), Mucuna pruriens (Agbala), Amaranthus hybridus (Inine oji) and Lecaniodiscus cupaniodes (Ukpocha) sourced locally in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria were sun-dried and analyzed for minerals using Varian AA240 Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: In this researchF, the leafy vegetables consumed in the South -East, Nigeria were found to contain minerals in concentrations not significantly different. They are good sources of magnesium (Mg), and would fairly supply calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and phosphate (PO4) which are required for the proper functioning of the body and healthy life. The leafy vegetable also contains (Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Selenium (Se), and Molybdenum (Mo) required for specific biochemical functions in living organisms. However, the concentration of the microminerals in the vegetables are higher than the daily recommended limits. Only Vitex donaina and Lecaniodiscus cupaniodes vegetable diets provide Cobalt while Mo deficiency may arise in Telfairia occidentalis, Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorus olitorus, Ceiba pentanda, and Colocasia antiquorum leafy diets from this study. The result indicates that any of these vegetables would provide minerals for maintaining good health and treatment of malnutrition. Conclusion: The levels of macro minerals in the vegetable studied suggest that there may be a need for supplements to meet the required amount in the body. The vegetables contain microminerals needed at trace levels that may accumulate as toxins with detrimental health effects with time. Keywords: Mineral, Leafy vegetables, Enugu State Nigeria