Variations in nutrient composition of oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) across different agro-climatic conditions

dc.creatorMwakasege, Emmanuel
dc.creatorTreydte, Anna
dc.creatorHoeglinger, Otmar
dc.creatorKassim, Neema
dc.creatorMakule, Edna
dc.date2021-05-03T06:17:17Z
dc.date2021-05-03T06:17:17Z
dc.date2021-04-27
dc.date.accessioned2022-10-25T09:21:05Z
dc.date.available2022-10-25T09:21:05Z
dc.descriptionThis research article published by Taylor & Francis Online, 2021
dc.descriptionIn sub-Saharan Africa, nutrient deficiency remains a challenge. The challenge is partly due to the underutilization of available local nutrient sources and failure to optimize nutrients based on agro-climatic conditions. This study investigated the nutrient composition and variations in the underutilized oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) from different sites and elevation levels encompassing different agro-climatic conditions. Fats were the most abundant contents of the nuts with 68%, followed by 25% protein, 5% carbohydrates, and 2% ash. Fatty acid contents were dominated by linoleic acid (47%), while magnesium was 150 mg/100 g, the most abundant mineral element. Protein and fat contents increased significantly with declining elevations, while sites did not show any significant effects, except for oleic acids. These were higher in Tanga compared to Kilimanjaro and Arusha sites. In contrast, linoleic acids and minerals such as magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) decreased significantly in low elevations. Other nutrients such as carbohydrates, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), palmitic acid, and stearic acid were not significantly affected by site nor elevations. Our results highlight that, particularly in lower elevations associated with high temperature and high precipitation, oyster nuts’ quality is optimized and can contribute to reducing micronutrient deficiency and improve local communities’ nutritional status in sub-Saharan Africa.
dc.formatapplication/pdf
dc.identifierVariations in nutrient composition of oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) across different agro-climatic conditions
dc.identifierhttps://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12479/1156
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/123456789/95427
dc.languageen
dc.publisherTaylor & Francis Online
dc.subjectFatty acids
dc.subjectNutrient analysis
dc.subjectProtein
dc.titleVariations in nutrient composition of oyster nuts (Telfairia pedata) across different agro-climatic conditions
dc.typeArticle

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