Determination of macro and microelements in whole fruit of campomanesia adamantium (cambess.) o. berg and evaluation of their nutritional potential for children, adolescents and pregnant women

The aim of studies was to determine the mineral content of Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) fruits popularly known as guavira and commonly used in the treatment of human diseases as well as food. Concentrations of minerals in samples were determined using induction coupled optical emission spectrometry and the results were compared to values of Dietary Reference Intakes for children, adolescents and pregnant women. The FDA Nutritional Content Claims was adopted in order to classify the mineral content in the fruit. Comparative results showed that guavira is an excellent source of phosphorus for children between 1 and 8 years and pregnant women, as well as a good source for adolescents between 9 and 18 years. Guavira fruits are an excellent source of iron for children and adolescents with ages between 1 and 13 years and a good source for adolescents 14–18 years old. It is an excellent source of copper for children aged 1–8 years and a good source for adolescents aged 9–18 years and pregnant women. The fruit is only a good source of manganese for children aged 1–3 years. Regardless of the age discussed, the whole fruit of guavira is an excellent source for molybdenum and chromium, although it accumulated chromium above the tolerable limit by FAO in edible plants.