Malnutrition for children aged under five years in Burkina Faso is a health problem. Research to contribute for a balanced nutrition of these children is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional values of Allium cepa and Amaranthus hybridus leaves consumed in Burkina Faso.
The cool leaves of these plants have been purchased in three markets of Ouagadougou and allow to air-dry in laboratory at 25 °C. The nutritional values have been analysed for following minerals (Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphor, Sodium, Iron and Zinc). For minerals content analyses, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flam photometer methods have been used.
The results showed that the two leaves had high content in Calcium, Potassium, Phosphor and Magnesium. For Allium cepa, the leaves mean content in Calcium, Potassium, Phosphor and Magnesium were 881 mg/100 g; 2657 mg/100 g; 324 mg/100 g and 204 mg/100 g, respectively. Iron (81 mg/100 g) and Zinc (4 mg/100 g), which are trace elements were also high. For Amaranthus hybridus leaves, the Calcium, Potassium, Phosphor and Magnesium content were 606 mg/100 g; 3573 mg/100 g; 222 mg/100 g and 475 mg/100 g. The trace elements Iron and Zn were 5 mg/100 g and 2 mg/100 g, respectively. Allium cepa leaves had highest content in Calcium, Phosphor, Iron and Zinc compared to Amaranthus hybridus leaves.
This study showed that leaves of Allium cepa and Amaranthus hibridus have important nutritional values. Included these leaves in children diet will contribute to their nutritional balanced.