Assessment of Essential Micronutrients’ Adequacy in Adolescent Girls: A Case Study of a Female College in Bosso Area, Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Food source is considered to have provided essential minerals, which are important for prevention and solution to cases of mineral deficiency disease in adolescent girls. In this study, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium essential minerals were accounted for in five (5) ready-to-eat food samples consumed in a notable girls’ college in Bosso, Minna, Nigeria. The samples were prepared for wet digestion and the elements, major and trace were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, AAS except phosphorus obtained using colorimetric method. The trace elements were adequate within the limit of observation in all samples except copper in Shinkafa da Wake, Wake da Maijah and manganese in Wake da Maijah. Phosphorus and magnesium among essential major minerals were recorded adequate with highest values in the food samples. Potassium, calcium and sodium were appreciably low respectively. The study showed that careful selections among the local foods and repetition could provide more values of the essential and trace elements, which would meet the approved Required Daily Allowance, RDA. The foods have potential to contribute to healthy living management and sustainability in the school girls.