Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Nigerian Foods and Estimates of Adult Dietary Intakes

Micronutrient deficiency is a public health challenge globally, as it affects both people and economy. In Nigeria, most micronutrients, especially minerals are lost during food processing. The study was carried out to determine the potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium composition of foods commonly eaten by Nigerian adults and to estimate the average adults’ daily intakes of these macrominerals. The contents of these minerals in 141 food items collected ‘as consumed’ from 10 locations in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Ogun State, Nigeria, were quantified by digesting the foods through dry ashing and analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The levels (mg/100 g fresh weight) of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in the various foods ranged from 2.92 to 1520, 1.46 to 30700, 1.35 to 1280 and 1.16 to 416, respectively. Recovery values were within the range of 95 to 110%. Adults’ mean mineral intakes (mg/person/day) of the analysed foods were 1970±780, 2750±1100, 423±300 and 389±130 for potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, respectively. Mean sodium intake was higher while potassium and calcium intakes were lower compared with international recommendations (mg/person/day) of 1500, 2300-3400 and 1000-1300, respectively; indicating the need to enlighten consumers. The snapshot data from this study are useful to update the Nigerian Food Composition Database.