ABSTRACT

 The aim of the present study was to evaluate some vitamin content of unripe banana {Musa sapientum) peel. Peels of unripe banana purchased from Ubani Market, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State were properly washed, sliced and air-dried at room temperature for 72 hours. They were then milled and preserved for further analysis. Vitamins (Vitamins B,B3. B6, B9, and Bn) and fat-soluble (Vitamins E and K) contents were analysed following standard protocols for biochemical analysis. Results of the analysis for water-soluble vitamins indicated that vitamin B| and B3 were the highest and lowest B-vitamins in unripe banana peel with concentrations of 1.05±0.06 and 0.1 l±0.02mg/100g respectively. The B-vitamins increased as follows vitamin B3 (0.1 l±0.02mg/100g)< B9 (0.21±0.01mg/100g) < B,2(0.21±0.00 mg/lOOg) < B6(0.40±0.01mg/100g) < B](l ,05±0.06mg/100g); While for fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin E content of unripe banana peel with concentration of 2.07±0.29 mg/lOOg was higher than vitamin K content in unripe banana peel with concentration of 0.56±0.05 mg/lOOg. The study discovered that the peels of unripe banana which are usually disposed off as wastes contain valuable water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and may thus find suitable application in nutrition and similar use. However the results from this study necessitate a recommendation that more studies {in vivo) be conducted to help discover if these nutrients are bioavailable when consumed .