Nutritional Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Heavy Metal Analysis of Dune Fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca) as a Traditional Food Source in Kebbi State

Dune fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca) is a widely consumed traditional food source in many parts of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Despite its wide consumption, there is limited information on the nutritional profile, antioxidant capacity, and heavy metal contamination of Dune fruit. Therefore, this study evaluated the nutritional profile, antioxidant capacity, and heavy metal content of Dune fruit (Balanites aegyptiaca) as a traditional food source in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The proximate composition, antioxidant capacity, and heavy metal content of the fruit were determined using standard analytical methods. The results showed that Dune fruit is rich in nutrients, including Vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E, potassium, and fiber, with mean values of (0.05 ± 0.01mg/100g), (0.03 ± 0.01mg/100g), (0.52 ± 0.03mg/100g), (31.00 ± 1.00 mg/100g), (0.52 ± 0.03mg/100g), (370.00 ± 1.50mg/100g) and (8.10 ± 0.10mg/100g, respectively. The fruit also exhibited high antioxidant capacity, with a mean total phenolic content of (255.10 ± 5.10mgGAE/100g) and a mean antioxidant activity of DPPH (76.83 ± 1.65%) and ABTS (66.30 ± 1.20%). However, the fruit was found to contain high levels of heavy metals, including lead (0.053 ± 0.005mg/kg), cadmium (0.023 ± 0.005mg/kg), and chromium (0.11 ± 0.01mg/kg). The results of this study suggest that Dune fruit is a nutritious and antioxidant-rich food source, but its consumption should be done with caution due to its heavy metal contamination. Therefore, there is a need for proper handling, processing, and storage of the fruit to minimize its heavy metal content and ensure its safe consumption.