Abstract

A study on the determination of the micronutrient content of spirulina samples was conducted at three farms in Burkina Faso. Eighteen (18) spirulina samples, six (6) per farm were collected. The minerals were assayed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and vitamins by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The highest vitamin levels are from the "Nayalgué" farm with 52.3 ± 9.81 mg / 100 g of β-carotene and 1.67 ± 0.57 mg / 100 g of α-tocopherol. The highest calcium content was obtained at Center for Research in Biological Sciences Food and Nutrition with 4.93 ± 95 mg / 100g. The magnesium content is 2.55 ± 18 mg / g at CRBSFN, 1.72 ± 24 mg / g at the "Nayalgué" farm and 1.30 ± 18 mg / g at the "Ouahigouya" farm. The iron content is 0.61 ± 83 mg / g at CRBSFN, 0.69 ± 91 mg / g at the "Nayalgué" farm and 0.54 ± 75 mg / g at the "Ouahigouya" farm. The zinc content is 0.017 ± 1.01 mg / g at CRBSFN 0.02 ± 3.60 mg / g at the "Nayalgué" farm and 0.01 ± 2.51 mg / g at the "Ouahigouya" farm. Micronutrients are more numerous on the "Nayalgué" farm. With such nutrients, spirulina can therefore be used in the nutrition of vulnerable people.

Authors and Affiliations