Comparative analysis of amino acid, proximate and mineral compositions of Persea americana seeds and Telfairia occidentalis seeds formulated diet

Essential nutrients found in food contribute to optimal human health. This study examined the nutritional content and amino acid profiles of diets composed of casein, Persea americana (avocado) seeds, and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) seeds. Nine distinct diets, including casein, avocado seeds (AS), fluted pumpkin seeds (FPS), protein-deficient, and combinations of both seeds were formulated. Standard methodologies were utilized to assess the nutritional qualities and amino acid compositions of these diets. Mineral analysis revealed varying levels of phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, calcium, potassium, and sulphur across the diets. FPS diets exhibited the highest mineral content compared to the other diets. Proximate analysis indicated that protein-deficient diet contained the highest carbohydrate content (30.13 %), while the FPS diet had the lowest (12.87 %). Casein diets were found to have elevated levels of crude protein. Amino acid analysis demonstrated that the 30 % FPS diet had the highest total amino acid concentration of 8.58 mg/g, while the protein-deficient diet had the lowest of 4.20 mg/g. The results indicated that FPS diets are richer in minerals and amino acids. This research suggests that T. occidentalis seeds could potentially be used to develop nutritional supplements aimed at enhancing human health and nutrition.