Abstract

Elsa Maria Salvador, Cheryl ME McCrindle, Mathapelo P Seopela, Vanessa Steenkamp

Mozambique is the fifth highest producer of cassava in Africa. Cassava is mainly produced for human consumption and contributes to food security. Information on whether soil composition influences mineral concentrations in cassava roots is lacking. The aim of the study was to assess whether the concentration of aluminium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, lead and zinc in cassava roots is influenced by soil concentrations of these minerals and indicate its implications for consumer health. Samples of cassava root and adjacent soil were collected from four districts in Mozambique. The concentrations of minerals were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The mineral concentration of soil from the four districts differed significantly (p < 0.05) as did the mineral concentration in the root samples. The concentration in the roots was lower than the adjacent soil. The low level of minerals is a concern to the health of mainly cassava consumers, since these levels would not provide sufficient nutrition, especially for the vulnerable population; young children and women of reproductive age. It is advised that fortification of cassava root products be investigated to determine whether the nutritional value could be improved for consumers who are almost exclusively dependent on cassava as a staple.