Minerals, phytic acid and tannin contents of 18 fruits from the Brazilian savanna.

摘要

This study evaluated the nutrient content of 18 fruits, all native to the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Mineral contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission, phytic acid and tannin contents by colorimetric and titrimetric methods, respectively, and potential mineral bioavailability by the molar ratio of phytic acid/minerals. Baru nuts had the highest Zn, Cu, Fe, P and Mg contents, and, together with macauba, also had the highest Ca and calorie contents. Macauba, pitomba, inga and murici fruits were found to be sources of Fe. Jatoba and baru nuts contained the highest concn. of phytic acid and tannins. The phytic acid/Fe and phytic acid/Zn molar ratios were higher than the critical values (14 and 10, respectively) only in baru nuts, which suggests that Fe and Zn bioavailability is low in this nut. The phytic acid/Ca molar ratios were lower than the critical value (1.56) in all analysed fruits, which suggests that Ca is bioavailable in the fruits.