Mineral composition of the banana (Musa acuminata) from the island of Tenerife

The content of major (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and minor elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B) in bananas consumed on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, has been determined. Significant differences were observed in the mineral contents of the banana samples, with higher K, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn and B levels in the banana grown in north Tenerife and a higher Ca content in the banana originating in the south of the island. Differences between these mineral contents and the fruit reported in the literature have been established and a comparison has been carried out with diverse food composition tables. The banana is shown to contribute to the recommended daily requirements of K, Mg, Cu and B.