Vitamin-C and Mineral Composition Analysis of Some Fresh Vegetables in Patuakhali, Bangladesh

Abstract

Aims: This comparative study was carried out to evaluate the vitamin-C and mineral content of twenty-two different sorts of nutritious and low-cost fresh vegetables. Methodology: The study was conducted in the agricultural chemistry laboratory, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali during the period of January to June 2019. Vitamin C, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) contents were determined with the flame emission spectrophotometer. Results: Vitamin-C was higher in Momordica charantia (87.0 mg/100 g) and lower in Vigna unguiculata (0.10 mg/100g). Calcium and magnesium of the green leafy vegetables were in the range of 191.0 - 12.0 mg/100g and 210.1- 9.0 mg/100g respectively. Sodium content largely varied from 58.1- 2.1 mg/100g in which Amaranthus cruentus content higher and Cucumis sativus had the lower content. The highest potassium content was recorded in Cucurbita pepo (384.0 mg/100g) and the lowest potassium content was found in Cucumis sativus (144.20 mg / 100g). Phosphorus content was ranged between 108.0 -13.0 mg /100 g in all the green leafy vegetables. There were significant correlations between mineral contents. Conclusion: These results revealed that selected vegetables contain an appreciable amount of vitamin C and minerals and should be included in diets as a supplement of daily allowance needed by the body.