{"title":"Rural Women's Participation in Managing Aflatoxin Contamination in the Groundnut Postharvest Value Chain in Chemba District, Tanzania","authors":"Robert Komba, Dismas Mwaseba, Respikius Martin","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61445","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61445","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: This study sought to determine the extent of rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain. \u0000Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. \u0000Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Chemba District in Dodoma Region, Tanzania situated at the coordinates 05°14′ 34′′ S latitude and 35°53′ 24′′ E longitude, respectively. \u0000Methodology: The primary data for the study were obtained from a random sample of 137 female groundnut farmers residing in twelve (12) villages from eight (08) wards in Chemba District. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while an FGD guide, checklist, and participant observation were employed to obtain qualitative data. \u0000Results: The findings show that women groundnut farmers participate partly in various aflatoxins-related project activities in decision making (50.36%), implementation (44.52%), benefits (59.85%), and evaluation (51.09%). Moreover, the findings of the study show that women participate in groundnut postharvest activities involving cleaning, drying, grading, sorting, processing, packing, storage, and marketing. However, the study shows that women’s participation in groundnut postharvest activities for managing aflatoxin is low. The findings also indicate that there is no statistically significant association between women's involvement in aflatoxin management and their age (χ2 = 7.800, P = 0.099), years of engagement in agriculture (χ2 = 3.556, P = 0.469), and farm size (χ2 = 2.004, P = 0.735). Additionally, a statistically significant association was observed between women's participation in managing aflatoxin and their level of education (χ2 = 12.650, P = 0.013*), as well as their marital status (χ2 = 27.550, P = 0.000***). \u0000Conclusion: The study found that rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain is critical. Hence, this study recommends developing strategies and initiatives targeting and supporting women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"1 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141101184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Roselle-Tiger Nut Beverage","authors":"Mtam, N.P., Iombor, T.T.","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61444","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61444","url":null,"abstract":"Background: A beverage is a liquid prepared from cereals, grains and leaves/calyxes for human consumption. Beverages are classified into alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. \u0000Objective: The study evaluated the nutritional quality and antioxidant properties of Roselle-tiger nut beverage. \u0000Methods: Roselle-tiger nut beverage was produced from the control samples roselle and tiger nut (% v/v) using the ratios 100:0 Roselle beverage, 0:100 tiger nut beverage and 80:20 Roselle-tiger nut beverage. Subsequently, Proximate, mineral, phytochemical compositions, antioxidants properties and sensory properties were determined using established methods. \u0000Results: There was an elevation in protein (16.29±2.39a) carbohydrate (11.08±9.59a), crude protein (16.29±2.39a) and ash content (3.09±0.56a) but a decrease in moisture and crude fat content. Also, an increase in Sodium (0.09±0.01b), Zinc (0.21±0.00b) and Copper (0.09±0.00b) content with a decrease in Potassium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron levels. For phytochemical compositions, an increase in flavonoids (1.73±0.43a), saponins (1.25±0.75a) and alkaloids (1.36±0.13a) contents with a decrease in tannins, oxalates and phytate contents was observed. There was an elevation in free radical scavenging activity (0.36±0.00ab) and ferric reducing power (0.32±0.00c) but a decrease in hydroxyl scavenging activity and metal chelating ability. Sample MNP836 of Roselle-tiger nut beverage was the most preferred by panelists for appearance (8.10), taste (8.24), flavor (8.38), mouth feel (8.38) and overall acceptability (8.48). \u0000Conclusion: Substitution of roselle beverage with 20% tiger nut beverage improved the nutritional quality of roselle-tiger nut beverage.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"20 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141100019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ekpenyong, E. E, Itam, Y. B, Ogar, V. O, Ebong, E. E.
{"title":"Association between Low Calorie Sweetener Consumption Pattern, Anthropometric Indices, and Nutritional Status among Adults’ Males and Females in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria","authors":"Ekpenyong, E. E, Itam, Y. B, Ogar, V. O, Ebong, E. E.","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61442","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61442","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between low-calorie sweetener (LCS) consumption patterns, anthropometric indices, and nutritional status among adults and women in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria. \u0000Study Design; A cross-sectional Analytical design was conducted among 335 participants, selected by multistage sampling technique. \u0000Methodology: Dietary assessment using 24hrs recall, anthropometrics measures and socio-demographic characteristics data were collected using pretested questionnaire. The collected data were entered in to Microsoft Excel and exported to SPSS for further statistical analysis. Chi-square test at 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to quantify independent variables of nutritional indices. Using WHO-reference-2010, height, weight and BMI were measured \u0000Results: Over 40 products containing LCS were classified into five groups. Carbonated beverages were most consumed, while energy drinks were least consumed. Aspartame was the most commonly used LCS. Young single adults aged 20-35, mostly students, consumed LCS-containing products more frequently than other adults. The overall prevalence of LCS consumption was 58.1%, (moderate), with participants consuming an LCS containing beverage, at least three times a week at an estimated quantity of 1 liter. There was statistical significance (P=.05) differences in weight, waist circumference and hip circumference between men and women. The BMI for men and women were of 22.6 ± 0.9 and 21.0 ± 1.0 kg/m2, respectively. The BMI categories of the study participants were as follows; underweight (3.9%), normal weight (65.7) overweight (28.1) and obese (2.3%). The prevalence of abnormal waist-to-hip ratio was reported, with a significant (P=.05) association between LCS consumption and BMI. Bivariate analysis of LCS consumption and socio-demographic variables found significant association between variables such as gender, age, monthly income and educational level at P=.05. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, income, and BMI as predictors of LCS intake. \u0000Conclusion: The study showed that the consumption pattern exists among the adults in terms of age category and gender. Consumption of LCS beverages was mostly moderate, on average around thrice per week and was influenced by demographic factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"33 22","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141107748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Priyanka Barman, Vijayalaxmi K.G., Roopa B. Patil, Surendra H.S.
{"title":"Nutritional Status of Adolescents in the Kamrup-metropolitan District of Assam, India: A Comparative Study between Rural and Urban","authors":"Priyanka Barman, Vijayalaxmi K.G., Roopa B. Patil, Surendra H.S.","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61441","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61441","url":null,"abstract":"Adolescents serve as the foundational resources and future citizens of the nation. India boasts the highest number of adolescents globally, with a staggering count of 253 million individuals falling between the age range of 10 to 19 years, while Assam is ranked thirteenth among the many states and Union territories in India, with a total adolescent population of 65,60,308. During the stage of adolescence, there is a notable surge in growth. With this background, the present study was carried out to study and compare the nutritional status of rural and urban adolescents of the Kamrup-metropolitan district of Assam. Based on the purposive sampling technique, a totalof 200 adolescents were selected. A standardised pre-tested questionnaire was developed to collect information on somatic status and dietary intake. Findings revealed that the majority ofindividuals in both Urban and Rural areas have a BMI of less than 18.5, but the prevalence wasslightly higher in the rural group (56.0%) compared to the Urban group (53.0%). Urban respondents (25.4 cm, 11.28 mm) had a slightly higher mean MUAC and TSF than rural respondents (23.7 cm, 11.19mm). There is a notable difference in the amount of nutrients consumed by adolescents compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Energy intake is below the recommended levels, with adequacy percentages varying from 78.6% to82.4%, indicating a critical area of concern. Conversely, Visible fat intake is above RDA, ranging from 110.8% to 118.2%, highlighting potential overconsumption in this category. Adolescents were observed to have deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and folic acid compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"36 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141123467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Nutritional Status Comparison between the Rural and Urban Post Menopausal Women in Ayodhya District, India","authors":"Mridula Pandey, Sadhna Singh, Pratibha Singh, Namita Joshi, Manish Kumar","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61440","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i61440","url":null,"abstract":"The current study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and identify nutritional status among post- menopausal women in Ayodhya districts. The sample has comprised 150 post-menopausal women from rural and 150 from urban area aged 45-65 years. A self-structured questionnaire based on SES Agarwal 2005 was used for data collection. This study revealed educational attainment is higher in urban areas, with more women having graduate and postgraduate qualifications. However, rural areas show higher percentages of women with metric and intermediate education. Dietary intake shows that both rural and urban populations consume energy and protein slightly below to the (RDA) recommended dietary allowances, while fat intake of post-menopausal women, in rural and urban areas, exceeded the recommended level of 25 grams per day, i.e. 31.68±4.0 gm and 30.4±4.9 gm consuming fat. respectively in urban and rural area. Wheat and rice are staple foods for both groups, with minimal variation, while flaxseed consumption is higher in urban areas. Presented data has compared nutrient intake to RDA recommended dietary allowances among rural and urban area has found that energy, carbohydrates, iron, vitamin C, zinc, and phosphorus nutrient intake is low. Despite slight variations in both rural and urban areas demonstrate suboptimal nutrient intake, highlighting the need for dietary interventions to address deficiencies.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"111 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141125630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seema V. Kanojia, G. Gomadhi, S. Kamalasundari, G. Malathi, S. Krishnaveni, M. Ramasamy, K. Dhanalakshmi, K. Chitra, Abhijit Debnath
{"title":"Exploring Millet Grains: Nutritional Benefits, Processing Advancements, and Future Directions for Food Security and Health Improvement","authors":"Seema V. Kanojia, G. Gomadhi, S. Kamalasundari, G. Malathi, S. Krishnaveni, M. Ramasamy, K. Dhanalakshmi, K. Chitra, Abhijit Debnath","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i51426","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i51426","url":null,"abstract":"Millet grains have gained recognition as nutritious, climate-resilient crops with the potential to contribute to food security and public health. This review explores the nutritional benefits, processing advancements, and future prospects of millet grains. Millets are rich sources of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them suitable for gluten-free diets and beneficial for managing chronic diseases. Recent advancements in processing technologies have led to the development of a variety of millet-based products that retain nutritional integrity while enhancing sensory attributes. These innovations offer convenient and nutritious alternatives to traditional grain-based foods. Looking ahead, millets hold promise for sustainable agriculture and improved human health, especially in regions facing food insecurity and malnutrition. Government support and consumer awareness are crucial for realizing the full potential of millet grains in addressing global challenges.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":" 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141129712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tahir Abbas, K. R. Ahmad, Asmatullah, Haider Ali Akhtar, Tehreem Fatima
{"title":"Ameliorative Activities of Morus and Jamun against Cr Induced Andro-Hepatic Anomalies","authors":"Tahir Abbas, K. R. Ahmad, Asmatullah, Haider Ali Akhtar, Tehreem Fatima","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11379","url":null,"abstract":"Chromium (Cr) is a vital micronutrient for sugar metabolism while its unauthorized use may agonize health fatalities. This study was conducted about the novelty about exposure of hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) histopatholgical potentials along with Mulberry Fruit Extract and Jamun Fruit Extract to define the ameliorative aptitude. The histological finding in Cr exposure specify; cessation of testicular seminiferous tubules (ST), annihilation of smooth muscles in basement membrane, Leydig’s cell and spermatids. The ST have halted spermatogenesis, with irregular boundary and dead spermatogonia and Leydig’s cells are disorganized. The sperm head cross sectional area (CSA), tail length and middle piece diameter (p ≤ 0.001) significantly reduced while there is significant elevation of hepatocytes nuclei size, central vein CSA and mean width of Sinusoidal Spaces as compared to control. The protuberant marks of steatosis, fibrosis, dehydration and atrophy were nullified by designated fruit extracts and their possible bio-chelating effects was obvious due to the presence of anthocyanin, β-sitosterol and phytochemicals. The given results specify that hexavalent Cr induce andro-hepatic anomalies when it is freely used without scientific authentication. Cr+6 as food additives in coloring rice and local sweets should be prohibited while bio-products of Morus and Jamun can be recommended and sponsored for traditional medicines.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"20 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139602644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Md. Abdus Samad, R. Sikder, Md. Towhidul Karim, Mahbub Iqbal, M. M. Sumon, Abdullah All Imtiaz, Sautam Kumar Shil, Md. Touhidujjaman
{"title":"Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies: Unraveling the Impact of Bio-Fertilizers and Traditional Fertilizers on Soybean (Glycine max) Productivity","authors":"Md. Abdus Samad, R. Sikder, Md. Towhidul Karim, Mahbub Iqbal, M. M. Sumon, Abdullah All Imtiaz, Sautam Kumar Shil, Md. Touhidujjaman","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11378","url":null,"abstract":"The study investigated the impact of different treatments on soybean growth and productivity, focusing on plant height and various growth parameters. Notably, Treatment T6, incorporating cow dung, Rhizobium, and Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), consistently outperformed other treatments. At 40 days after sowing (DAS), T6 exhibited the highest plant height, a trend sustained at 60 DAS and harvest. This superiority was attributed to the synergistic effect of the bio-fertilizer components. The control (T1) consistently had the shortest plants. In terms of productivity, T6 consistently excelled across parameters such as number of branches (4.12), nodules per plant (29.33), number of pods (33.33), pod length (4.82), seeds per pod (4.29), and seed yield (1.87 t/ha). Additionally, T6 demonstrated the highest protein (39.41%) and oil content (18.60%). While the recommended fertilizer dose (T2) showed improvement over the control, T6 surpassed T2, emphasizing the synergistic benefits of combining organic and microbial inputs. These findings highlight the potential of bio-fertilizers, particularly the combined approach, in enhancing soybean productivity. The study provides valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices and optimizing fertilizer strategies for improved crop yields.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"30 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139606850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. A. Olomu, J. Habila, R. E. Musa, O. W. Ajishe, E. Ochube, S. Gazuwa
{"title":"Evaluation of Selected Metals Contents of Brassica oleraceae (Cabbage), Solanum tuberosum (Irish Potatoes) and Daucus carota (Carrot) Grown at Irrigation Farms of Jos, Nigeria","authors":"S. A. Olomu, J. Habila, R. E. Musa, O. W. Ajishe, E. Ochube, S. Gazuwa","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11377","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11377","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This study assessed levels of Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn and As in Brassica oleraceae (cabbage), Solanum tuberosum (Irish potatoes) and Daucus carota (carrot). Six samples were collected from each of the two irrigation farms. Samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). \u0000Study Design: Six (6) samples of each vegetables, Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Solanum tuberosum (Irish potatoes) and Daucus carota (carrot) were obtained from irrigation farms situated at Lamingo and Russau. On each farm, 2 samples were collected thereby giving a total sample size of 36. \u0000Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry Research Laboratory between February and April 2021. \u0000Methods: Turkey-Kramer multiple comparison tests in a one-way analysis of variance was used to analyse the data obtained. \u0000Results: Samples of cabbage from Russau showed mean values for Zn, Pb and Fe levels thus: 32.80±0.62, 0.27±0.02, and 20±0.06 respectively. Samples from Lamingo had mean levels of Zn, Pb and Fe thus: 23.30±0.26, 0.07±0.02, and 0.08±0.03 in that order. The concentrations of Pb, Zn were above standard values (P=0.05) but Fe was not significant. The machine did not detect arsenic (As). Samples of cabbage from Russau contained higher levels of all the metals than those from Lamingo. In Irish potatoes, samples from Lamingo had mean levels of Pb, Cd, Zn and Fe as follows: 0.188±0.017, 0.36±0.037 16.105±4.16 and 0.082 respectively. The levels were significantly above (P=.05) standard values. In Carrots, levels of the metals in samples from Lamingo were 0.15±0.015, 0.14±0.015 and 0.88±0.018 respectively for Fe, Cd and Pb. Similarly, samples from Russau had 0.14±0.016, 0.20±0.022 and 1.04±0.031 respectively for Fe, Cd and Pb. \u0000Conclusion: Samples, especially those from Russau, contain zinc but they also contain cadmium, lead and iron which can predispose to their toxic effects.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"12 47","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139523702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olubukola Yinka Odekunle, I. Oluwalana, Oluwole Stephen Ijarotimi, Sesan Amos Agboola
{"title":"Evaluation of Physicochemical, Functional and Morphological Characteristics of Starch Extracted from Defatted Conophor Seed (Tetracarpidium conophorum)","authors":"Olubukola Yinka Odekunle, I. Oluwalana, Oluwole Stephen Ijarotimi, Sesan Amos Agboola","doi":"10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i11375","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Starch is the main carbohydrate store for numerous crops and each crop has distinct and unique characteristics. This study was aimed at investigating the physicochemical composition, functional properties and morphological characteristics of starch extracted from defatted Conophor seed flour. \u0000Place and Duration: Food Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, and Biochemistry Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, from March 2023 to September 2023. \u0000Methodology: Conophor seeds were washed, shelled manually, oven dried, milled into coarse flour and then defatted using solvent extraction method with the use of a soxhlet extractor. The defatted flour was air dried and grounded into fine powder. Starch was extracted by sedimentation at pH 11.0 and then oven dried and grounded into powder. The physicochemical composition, functional properties and morphological characteristics of Conophor starch were studied. \u0000Results: The physicochemical study shows that Conophor starch was abundant in carbohydrate (77.26%) but had a low protein (4.46%), fat (1.99%) and fibre (1.20%) content. Mineral content of the starch were high with calcium (194.17mg/g), copper (0.05mg/g), manganese (0.42mg/g), magnesium (4.26mg/g), iron (0.34mg/g), zinc (1.59mg/g), phosphorus (26.1mg/g), sodium (23.20mg/g) and potassium (37.13mg/g). The functional property of Conophor starch showed a high water absorption capacity (513.33%), oil absorption capacity (347.57%), emulsion capacity (45.48%), emulsion stability (50.00%), swelling index (246.67%), gelation capacity (12.00m/v) and low foaming capacity (12.69%) and foaming stability (3.26%). Conophor starch had a low pasting property with peak viscosity (14.00 RVU), final viscosity (16.00 RVU) and set-back viscosity (4.00 RVU). \u0000Conclusion: The study showed Conophor starch to be a rich source of mineral which makes it suitable for use as a supplement and its functional property makes it capable to be used in some industrial processes. However, the low paste quality of the starch renders it unsuitable for use in food processes that requires high paste formation but may be considered suitable for use in non- food related industries.","PeriodicalId":11922,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety","volume":"112 46","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139615301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}