Ecological variation in essential elements and trace elemental composition of some Nigerian fruits.

Identical species of various fruits were harvested just ripe from two different ecological regions in Southern Nigeria and assayed for trace elemental composition. There was significant variation in observed results. Trace elemental quantities (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, P) in fruits obtained from locations in South-western Nigeria were generally higher than those obtained from fruits harvested in South-eastern Nigeria (P <0.1), except for calcium and magnesium which showed converse trend. Furthermore the study highlighted some of these locally available fruits as good sources of various trace elements essential to man. The need for conditioned awareness that guards against possible micronutrient malnutrition in deficient areas is emphasised.