Determination of some Macroelements (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus) in some Selected Eggs (Chicken, Duck, Quail, Pigeon, Guinea Fowl and Turkey) in Sokoto Metropolis
Abstract
Egg consumption is a popular choice for good nutrients which there are
varieties including, chicken, duck, quail, pigeon, guinea fowl among
others. Egg is an ideal carrier for enriching human diets with some
important dietary minerals. It has benefits in the reduction of health
problems and influence on longevity of consumers. It is a standard for
nutritional composition in many respects. There is a concern that the
eggs can accumulate elements above required level as a result of
interaction with the environment. However, data in Sokoto is scarce.
Thus, this paper determined the levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P in some
selected eggs of duck, chicken, quail, pigeon, guinea fowl, and turkey.
Na and K were determined using flame photometry, Ca and Mg were
determined by EDTA titration. Whereas, P was determined by Iroug
method. Sodium (Na) concentration was in the order of decreasing trend,
quail (1600+0.3) >pigeon ( 1600+0.3)> chicken (1597+0.6)> turkey (
267+0.5)> duck ( 192.5+0.29).Potassium (K) concentration was in the
order of decreasing trend , pigeon (3182.5+0.08)> chicken (
2050+0.6)> guinea fowl (1375+0.6)> quail (1325+0.6)> duck
(1600+0.6)> turkey (0.600+0.006).Calcium revealed, quail (1.15+
0.006)> duck ( 1.00+0.003)> chicken and guinea fowl
(0.90+0.003each)> turkey ( 0.62+0.006)> pigeon (0.53+0.006).
Magnesium (Mg) shows a trend of Guinea fowl (1.60+0.006)> quail
(1.40+0.006)> chicken (1.35+0.00)> pigeon ( 1.05+0.006)> duck
(0.80+0.006). This work unveiled high levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P in
the selected eggs. P concentration revealed this order, turkey
(9.0120+.006) > quail (8.6900+0.006)> pigeon (8.5850+0.06)> duck
(8.2000+0.006)> guinea fowl (8.2000+0.006)>chicken
(1.6000+0.006).Despite that, the levels are safe, except K concentration
in pigeon whole egg which exceeds safe level .More studies are needed,
and people with macroelement deficiencies are advised to take eggs.
