Evaluation of fatty acid and mineral content of Tanzanian seeds and oils

• Fatty acids and micronutrients are required for growth and development.
• The essential fatty acid content of local Tanzanian foods is poorly described.
• Local oils are generally low in essential fatty acids except for sunflower oil.
• Pumpkin seeds are a significant source of essential fatty acids and minerals.

Fatty acids (FA) and micronutrients are required for normal growth and development. Deficiency in FA and micronutrients is prevalent in several African countries. The objective of this study was to determine mineral and FA composition of seeds and oils available to residents of Rudewa-Mbuyuni village in Tanzania. Samples were analyzed for FA and mineral composition by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy, respectively. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) were higher in sunflower (Helianthus sp) oil, 252 mg/g and 0.58 mg/g, and pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo), 126 mg/g and 0.17 mg/g, respectively. Pumpkin seeds contained 9170 mg/kg of potassium, 115 mg/kg of iron and 62 mg/kg of zinc, which are important cofactors for FA metabolism. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower oil are dietary sources of essential FA (EFA) that could be incorporated into Tanzanian diets, especially where there is a high prevalence of growth stunting, cognitive impairment, and EFA deficiency, such as in Rudewa-Mbuyuni. Since the sunflowers and pumpkin analyzed in this study are widely distributed throughout Africa, these data may be beneficial to various regions where EFA and mineral deficiencies are common.