CONCENTRATION OF Zn, Cu AND Mn IN VEGETABLES AND MEAT FOODSTUFFS COMMONLY AVAILABLE IN MANIPUR: A NORTH EASTERN STATE OF INDIA

Vegetables and meat foodstuffs form important sources of vitamins, proteins and essential minerals for human nutrition. Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations were determined in the samples of vegetables and meat foodstuffs commonly found in Manipur, a North Eastern State of India by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn in the vegetable foodstuffs were found to be in the range of 25.2 to 50.0 mg/kg, 2.4 to 9.8 mg/kg and 0.18 to 2.8 mg/kg respectively. In the case of meat foodstuffs, they ranged from 102.8 to 165.2 mg/kg of Zn, 1.2 to 5.8 mg/kg of Cu and 0.78 to 1.5 mg/kg of Mn. Overall, the present study showed that the levels of Zn, Cu and Mn in the vegetable foodstuffs are generally below the permissible limits and could serve as good dietary sources of essential trace minerals. Furthermore, Cu and Mn concentrations in the meat foodstuffs were found to be below the safe limits. However, the levels of Zn found in the meat foodstuffs in the present study are above the permissible limit established by regulatory organization and may have a hazard effect on health.