Mineral and Heavy Metals Profiling of Avocado Oils from Three Cultivars in Mambila Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria: Implications for Food Safety and Nutraceutical Use

Abstract

Avocado oil is increasingly recognized not only for its lipid composition but also for its trace mineral content and safety profile, which are critical for its application in functional foods, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. This study investigates the mineral and heavy metal content of avocado oils extracted from three cultivars—Hass, Maluma, and Persea schiedeana—grown on the Mambila Plateau, Taraba State, Nigeria. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), the oils were analyzed for essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, as well as toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. The results revealed cultivar-specific variations in mineral composition. Maluma oil exhibited the highest concentrations of calcium (10.3 ppm), magnesium (32.5 ppm), and potassium (44.7 ppm), indicating its superior nutritional potential. Persea schiedeana showed elevated phosphorus levels (10.6 ppm), while Hass had the highest carbohydrate content and moderate mineral distribution. All three oils were found to be within WHO/FAO permissible limits for heavy metals, with lead ranging from 0.043 to 0.081 ppm, cadmium from 0.004 to 0.006 ppm, and arsenic and mercury either undetectable or present in trace amounts.These findings confirm the safety and nutritional value of avocado oils from the Mambila Plateau, with Maluma standing out as a promising candidate for mineral-enriched formulations. The absence of toxic heavy metal contamination across all samples supports their use in health-sensitive applications. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on indigenous avocado cultivars and underscores their potential in Nigeria’s agro-industrial development.