Level of Some Mineral Elements in Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Drink Consumed within Gombe Metropolis

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the levels of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium present in Zobo Drink consumed in Gombe metropolis. Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa) drink has been consumed for decades as a non-alcoholic beverage, thus, the knowledge of its nutritional value is of huge interest. Hence, it is important to determine the level of some minerals present in the beverage. Ten samples were bought from different retailers within Gombe metropolis and were digested using Aqua regia (1:3 of HNO3 and HCL) in the laboratory and the levels of the various elements in each sample were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results obtained showed that the sample from Gombe State University commercial area 1 has the highest (P<0.05) magnesium content (9.38.±0.02 mg/kg). Calcium (2.90.±0.02 mg/kg) and Phosphorus (9.11.±0.02 mg/kg) were found to be highest in samples obtained from Arawa market and Gombe State University commercial area 2 respectively. Potassium was (14.45.±0.05 mg/kg) was highest in the beverage gotten from Gombe State University commercial area 2. The results showed that Zobo drink sold in Gombe metropolis possess some amount of the assayed  minerals but are lower than the Regular Dietary Intake (RDI) permissible by the World Health Organisation.