Abstract Background: Malnutrition in children is often associated with infections and diseases that may prevent them from reaching their full potential. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds contain nutrients and phytochemicals which may vary depending on the variety. We compared the nutrient and phytochemical compositions of selected cowpea varieties consumed in Southwest Nigeria and explored their possible implication on children’s health.
Methods: Six varieties of Cowpea seeds; Olowewe, Peu, Oloyin, Drum, Sokoto White and Iron were purchased from Sabo market, Sagamu, Southwest Nigeria. Foreign particles were removed and each variety boiled at 100 ℃ in 200mL distilled water for 45 minutes, oven-dried at 40℃ for 12hrs, milled and kept in an airtight container at 4℃ till analysis. Phytochemical content (tannin, saponin, alkaloid, polyphenol) and macronutrients (crude protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fibre) were determined using standard methods. Micronutrients: potassium and sodium were determined using flame photometer while calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc and iron were determined using AAS. Results were expressed as mean ± SD and compared using ANOVA and Duncan’s post-Hoc test. p< 0.05 was significant.
Result: Phytochemicals (tannins, saponins, alkaloids and polyphenol), macronutrients (crude protein, fat, carbohydrates and fibre) and micronutrient (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, zinc, iron except magnesium and manganese showed significant differences (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Cowpea varieties commonly consumed in southwest Nigeria contained significant amounts of nutrients and phytochemicals in varying concentrations. These findings may provide insights and scientific basis for the promotion of consumption of cowpea as a major step in curbing malnutrition in children.
Keywords Cowpea, Malnutrition in children, Nutrient, Phytochemicals.