Nutrition & Food Sciences

Biography

Biography: Cristopher G Millena

Abstract

The study focused on Pili nut (Canarium ovatum), an important nut-producing tree that is endemic in the Philippines. Seven varieties of Pili nut fruit were used in the study, all of which are being cultivated in a single soil condition. The study established the macro and micro minerals as well as potential toxic metal contents of both Pili nut pulp and kernel. Further, bioaccessibility of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg and Mn were assessed through in vitro method simulating gastric and intestinal condition. Quantification was done using recently developed plasma technique Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES). Significant differences were observed in some established parameters which may be attributed to distinctions per variety.  Major macro minerals in pulp are K (2822 to 4299 mg/100g ) and Ca (514-1092 mg/100g) while K (674-924 mg/100g), P (507- 646 mg/ 100g) and Mg (249-300 mg/100g) for the kernel. Pili nut also contains Na, Fe, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Cr. Potential antioxidant Se is below the limit of quantitation, as well as the toxic metals Pb and Cd. Bioaccessibility of the pulp’s and the kernel’s minerals in the small intestine is high for Mg (pulp: 75-90 % , kernel: 54-61 %) and Ca (pulp: 15-41 % , kernel: 14-22 %) and in the following descending order: Mg > Ca > Cu > Mn > Zn > Fe. Large portion of minerals was released in the small intestine and an appreciable amount of minerals was observed in the colon.  After colonic fermentation of Pili nut kernel, appreciable amounts of Mg > Ca > Cu > Mn were still available for absorption. Fe and Zn are not detected in the large intestine due perhaps to an elevated phytic acid (173-229 mg/100g). The antinutrient tannic acid is higher in pulp (109-296 mg/100g) that may also contribute to the reduced availability of some essential minerals in Pili nut pulp. The Pili pulp and kernel are sources of several essential minerals that are bioaccessible for human nutrition.