Nutrient composition of five varieties of commonly consumed Nigerian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The nutrient composition of the five major varieties of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) commonly consumed in the south-western part of Nigeria was investigated. Raw dry-shelled samples were analyzed for proximate (moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrate), 'vitamins' (beta-carotene, thiamine, niacin and tocopherol) and minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se, Co, Al, As, Cd and Pb). Results showed that the groundnuts had 4.12-9.26% moisture, 2.77-3.31% ash, 24.26-26.35% protein, 45.41-48.14% fat, 2.51-2.94% fiber and 15.90-17.75% carbohydrate. All the varieties analyzed showed 3-carotene (63.32-65.35mg/100g), 14 thiamin (0.73-0.98mg/100g), niacin (14.00-16.03mg/100g) and tocopherol (18.62-21.07mg/100g) activities; with boro red having significantly (P <0.05) higher values in all but 3-carotene. Heavy metals like Co, As, Cd and Pb were not detected in any of the samples and the other minerals vary with K>P>Mg>Ca>Mn>Cu>Na>Zn>Fe>Al>Se in most of the varieties. Boro red also had the highest elemental contents in most of the minerals analyzed. Thus, these groundnuts can be considered useful foodstuffs in minimizing protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiencies in Nigeria. However, the boro red variety is most recommended. The outcome of this research is a contribution to the food composition table.