Evaluating the Nutritional Potentials in Selected Bryophyte Species - Proximate, Mineral and Antinutrient Analyses

Abstract

Selected bryophyte species were investigated with a view to assessing their potential dietary significance. The collected species were thoroughly washed, air dried and analysed for the proximate, mineral and antinutrient contents following standard procedures. The results of the proximate analyses revealed that the moisture content of the species ranged from 7.13 to 11.64% while the ash content ranged from 5.27 to 26.62%. The protein content ranged from 15.45 to 19.02%. Crude fibre content (9.18 to 12.23%), ether extract content (0.69 to 1.71%) and carbohydrate content (39.91 to 51.15%) were also recorded. The elemental analysis showed the presence of macro- and micro- nutrients in the investigated bryophyte species which are valuable inorganic nutrients vital for various physiological functions in animals. All the species were found to contain noticeable levels of phytate and oxalate with the phytate (11.95 to 14.24 mg g^-1) being higher than the oxalate contents (2.31 - 3.22 mg g^-1). The study established that, bryophytes, though minute in sizes, have the potential to be an alternative nutrient source that could offer nutritional benefits like those of other edible terrestrial plants for both man and animal.