IRON (FE), CALCIUM (CA), MAGNESIUM (MG), VTAMIN C AND VITAMIN D COMPOSITIONS OF MESOPHAERUM SUAVEOLENS (OLUFOFO)

This study was carried out to determine the iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin D compositions of Mesosphaerum suaveolens leaves obtained within Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State. The specific objectives were to determine the iron, calcium, and magnesium contents, to evaluate the vitamin C and vitamin D compositions through DPPH assay, and to investigate the relationship between mineral content and antioxidant activity of the leaves. The mineral assay revealed that calcium was the most abundant element with a concentration of 1020.5 ± 55.86 mg/100 g, followed by magnesium (60.8 ± 8.77 mg/100 g) and iron (30.23 ± 1.88 mg/100 g). Vitamin analysis showed that vitamin C was present at 42 ± 1.41 µg/100 g, while vitamin D was not detected. The relatively high calcium and magnesium levels suggest that the leaves may contribute significantly to bone health, enzymatic regulation, and cardiovascular stability. The presence of vitamin C indicates antioxidant potential and enhanced iron absorption, whereas the absence of vitamin D highlights a limitation in the nutritional profile of the leaves. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Mesosphaerum suaveolens leaves possess appreciable nutritional and antioxidant properties, mainly due to their mineral richness and vitamin C content. However, the lack of vitamin D suggests the need for dietary supplementation or complementary sources to ensure balanced nutrition. Based on these results, it is recommended that Mesosphaerum suaveolens leaves be considered as a supplementary dietary source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, particularly for populations at risk of mineral deficiencies. Public health nutrition programmes should promote their inclusion in diets, while consumers are encouraged to complement intake with other sources of vitamin D such as fortified foods or exposure to sunlight. Further studies should also investigate the bioavailability of these nutrients in vivo and explore possible fortification strategies to enhance the nutritional value of the leaves.