Analysis of dietary minerals in selected seeds and nuts by using ICP-OES and assessment based on the recommended daily intakes

Purpose – Seeds and nuts include many dietary minerals as well as trace metals. It is very important to determine the nutritional mineral values in seeds and nuts. Many minerals can be analyzed simultaneously in low concentrations by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. This paper aims to evaluate nutritional values of dietary and trace minerals in selected seeds and nuts. Design/methodology/approach – Dietary minerals in the sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus), pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepoL.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and corn (Zea maysL.) samples collected from the markets in Sakarya city of Turkey have been analyzed. Two digestion procedures were applied by using hydrochloric acid solution and the mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution. Findings – In the evaluation of the mineral contributions of the nuts, the micro-mineral contributions (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Se) were found at higher values than the macro-minerals (Ca, Mg, K and Na). Potassium was determined as the most abundant mineral, and sodium was found at lower levels. The results showed that nuts are trace mineral suppliers and possible Na-K regulator foods in human nutrition. Social/implications – The obtained results for the mineral profile and daily intake values provide useful information that could sensitize the people on the consumption of seeds and nuts. Originality/value – Findings from the digestion procedures and the assessments based on the recommended daily intakes have got valuable impact.