Analysis of essential elements in Pito—a cereal food drink and its brands by the single‐comparator method of neutron activation analysis

Abstract

Instrumental neutron activation analysis using the single-comparator method has been used for the multielement determination of essential elements in two main types of Pito brewed locally in Ghana. The precision and accuracy of the analytical method was validated and found to be within 10%. In all, eight different brands of Pito depending on the type of cereal crop used in brewing were analyzed for 13 different elements (Al, As, Ba, Cl, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, and Zn). It was observed that all brands were particularly enriched in nutrient elements Cl, Mg, and K. The rest were generally found in varying concentrations. As these elements are bioavailable in natural form, perhaps in combination with organic constituents, they are likely to be easily digested and assimilated by the human body. Arsenic, a toxic element, was found in insignificant amounts suggesting that it was within safe limits.

Arsenic and Mercury Containing Traditional Chinese Medicine (Realgar and Cinnabar) Strongly Inhibit Organic Anion Transporters, Oat1 and Oat3,In Vivoin Mice

“…Arsenic and mercury have been recognized as a hazardous environmental pollutant which is harmful to the plants, animals, and even mammals; people can be easily exposed to them through contaminated water and food [ 24 , 25 ]. The soluble arsenic (As 3+ ) and mercury (Hg 2+ ) can be simply absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body.…”

Modeling the Determinants in Pito Brewing of Small-Scale Enterprising in Ghana

“…In the northern part of Ghana, Pito is a traditional alcoholic beverage prepared from carbohydrate-rich cereal crops such as maize, millet and guinea corn (Adazabra, Ntiforo, & Bamford, 2014). It is food drink locally brewed by poor rural women and consumed mostly by low income earners, especially the youth and the jobless.…”

Potential Application of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae) in Designing Highly Flavoured and Bioactive Pito with Functional Properties

“…The essence of consuming food and drinks is to provide necessary carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, dietary fibres, essential minerals, and vitamins required for the normal physiological functioning of the human system. Adazabra et al [38] stated that the elemental composition of pito is of great importance for its nutritional value due to its involvement in various important physiological and metabolic processes of the body. According to [38,39], pito is overwhelmed with calories, essential amino acids (such as lysine, etc.…”

“…Adazabra et al [38] stated that the elemental composition of pito is of great importance for its nutritional value due to its involvement in various important physiological and metabolic processes of the body. According to [38,39], pito is overwhelmed with calories, essential amino acids (such as lysine, etc. ), B-group vitamins (i.e., thiamine, folic acid, riboflavin, and nicotinic acid), as well as minerals (Table 1).…”