A Comparative Study on Nutritional Values of Lotus Seeds from Three Vietnamese Provinces

Abstract: These findings scientifically contribute to the food database system and can be exploited for diet planning, or further research sampling decisions. The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional values of lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera) from three geographical regions in Vietnam (Dong Thap, Khanh Hoa, and Quang Nam). The analyses were conducted as per standard test methods AOAC. There were generally significant differences in overall sizes, weights, and energy-yielding nutrients among the three studied samples. These lotus seeds possessed moderate concentrations of carbohydrates and proteins but low fat content. The analysis revealed the presence of vitamin C and group B (B1, B3, and B6) in all samples, remarkably vitamin B12 in QNLS and DTLS (1.57 and 0.16 µg/100 g, respectively). In this study, macro-minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S) and microminerals (Fe and Zn) were also detected in all samples. Khanh Hoa lotus seeds were found to be significantly greater in size and predominant in most of the studied nutrients. Further research on specific nutrients (including protein and fatty acid/lipid profiles) and phytochemicals, especially nuciferine should be conducted to complete the investigation of lotus seed nutrition cultivated in VietnamKeywords: lotus seeds, minerals, nutrients, size, variations, vitamins.