In the present work the concentration values of the mineral elements Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Se and Zn in conventional and non-conventional foodstuffs from Amazon Region by instrumental neutron activation analysis are presented. The concentrations to minerals varied according to the foodstuffs analysed. The highest concentrations of potassium were detected in jaca fruit (kernel and pulp) and graviola fruit. Although selenium was among the least abundant minerals, it was found in higher concentrations in graviola fruit, pupunha fruit and palm. Based on the concentration data of mineral elements it can be recommended the consumption of these foodstuffs in the daily meals of Amazonian people and we hope to contribute towards elaboration of regional and national food composition tables.
Minerals; fruits; vegetables and instrumental neutron activation analysis