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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
Trace elements in foods of children from Cameroon: A focus on zinc and phytate content
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 26, No. 2-3, Year 2012
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Description
In developing countries, complementary foods are based on local cereal porridges. These foods are poor in trace elements, with a high risk of inducing micronutrient deficiencies-the primary cause of mortality in children under the age of five. Inappropriate feeding of complementary foods is the major factor creating malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies in Cameroon children, as well as in other developing countries.This study determined the zinc and phytate content of 30 complementary foods that were based on maize or Irish potatoes. The foods were blended or treated by dehusking, fermentation and germination. Zinc was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and phytates by high pressure-liquid chromatography; then phytates/zinc molar ratios were calculated. Concentrations (mg/100. g dry matter) ranged, respectively, from 0.20 to 2.58 (0.12 ± 0.67) for zinc and from 0.00 to 6.04 (1.87 ± 1.7) for phytates. The phytate/zinc ratio varied from 0.00 to 51.62 (11.12 ± 11.53).It appears that germination and fermentation reduced the level of phytates: however, zinc levels in the samples did not change significantly. The traditional, local complementary foods were not only poor in zinc, but contained very high levels of phytates. These phytates have the potential to considerately reduce the acid extraction of zinc, and could impair its bioavailability. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH.
Authors & Co-Authors
Kana-Sop, Marie Modestine
Cameroon, Douala
University of Douala
Gouado, Inocent
Cameroon, Douala
University of Douala
Mananga, Marlyne Joséphine
Cameroon, Ngaoundere
University of Ngaoundere
Djeukeu Asongni, William
Cameroon, Douala
University of Douala
Amvam-Zollo, Paul Henri
Cameroon, Yaounde
Université de Yaoundé I
Oberleas, Donald
United States, Lubbock
Texas Tech
Tetanye, Ekoe
Cameroon, Yaounde
Université de Yaoundé I
Statistics
Citations: 11
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.jtemb.2012.03.018
ISSN:
0946672X
e-ISSN:
18783252
Research Areas
Food Security
Maternal And Child Health
Study Locations
Cameroon