Abstract

Food is the primary source of essential nutrients for man. Vegetables are essential part of the Ghanaian diet; therefore the nutritional status of vegetables is of importance. Vegetables that constitute an esse-ntial part of the Ghanaian diet have been analyzed for essential elements content (Ca, Mg, K, Co, Br, Mn, and Na) using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The purpose of the study was to design a nutrient database of the core vegetables grown and consumed in Ghana and in addition to ascertain the content of the essential elements in the vegetables. The accuracy of the method was verified by analysis of a compositionally appropriate reference material, IAEA -359 (CABBAGE). The results of the study revealed the presence of Br, Ca, Co, K, Mg, Mn, and Na in all the five vegetables studied. Ca, Mg, and K were present in the g/kg range in all five vegetables. The content of Na, Mn, Co and Br was in the mg/kg range in all five vegetables investigated.

Key words: Vegetables, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, Elemental concentration, Ghana