Comparative Study of Nutrient Compositions of Some Selected Cereal Grains Available in Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Saidu Usman

A comparative study of the nutritional and mineral compositions of some selected cereals obtained from Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State, Nigeria, was conducted. The nutritional composition analysis was made using the standard laboratory procedures by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while the mineral elements were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the analyzed cereals contain an appreciably high quantity of ash content, crude fibers, crude proteins, and carbohydrates. The high quantity of crude fiber obtained indicates that cereals are good sources of dietary fiber. The lower moisture content of the cereals indicates that they can be conserved over a long period. Moreover, the results of the mineral elements analysis showed that the cereal samples contained various concentrations of essential mineral elements. Among all the samples, millet stands out in terms of its desirable nutritional qualities. This is due to its lower moisture content (5.1±0.11%), higher protein (10.9±3.31%), and ash content (3.0±0.11%), as well as a higher concentration of essential minerals compared to other grains. Generally, the concentrations of the mineral elements in the analyzed cereals were within the limit set by the Food & Agricultural Organization of the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Hence, these cereal samples should be considered safe for consumption and may as well serves as sources of essential minerals for the population.