Provitamin A Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Ascorbic Acid and Minerals in Indigenous Leafy Vegetables from Tanzania.

The essential micronutrients in indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) could substantially contribute to the micronutrient supply in rural communities in Tanzania, but concentrations differ between species. Provitamin A carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, minerals, and phytate were analysed in 13 different species using HPLC-, ICP-OES, and photometric techniques. Eight of the 13 ILVs, including ssp. and , had high β-carotene concentrations (2.91⁻4.84 mg/100 g fresh weight), which could provide ≥50% of vitamin A's recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Six ILVs including and had high iron contents (34.5⁻60.4 mg/100 g, >50% RNI); ssp. represented the ILV with high calcium, magnesium and zinc contents (85%, 207% and 21% of RNI per 100 g); and had high ascorbic acid contents (>15 mg/100 g, 34⁻35% of RNI), while was the only ILV with a high tocopherol content (7.34 mg α-TE/100 g). The highest phytate concentration was found in ssp., which could negatively affect its role as a very good source of minerals. Results indicate that the analysed ILVs could make a substantial contribution to the vitamin A and iron supply in the diets of rural Tanzanian populations.