Prospecting the levels of some macroelements (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium) and possible goitrogenic effects of calcium and magnesium on iodine in herbal snuff in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

The elements sodium, calcium, potassium, iodine, and magnesium are essential in our diets for nutritional guidance and avoiding excessive intake and effects. Among other factors, healthcare and the high cost of conventional medicines compelled many people to use herbal snuffs for medicinal or psychoactive means. Likewise, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium pollution levels could be exaggerated and harm humans. The objective of this work was to detect the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iodine present in four different types of herbal snuffs consumed in Sokoto and nearby in Nigeria by using atomic bsorption spectroscopy and prospect the effect of calcium and agnesium on iodine. Four brands of herbal snuffs bought in Sokoto were used for this work. The highest sodium was detected in herbal two and the lowest in herbal 1. The potassium was highest in herb 2 (39.41 ± 1.4ppm) and lowest in herbal snuffs 3 (6.61 + 1.4ppm). The lowest levels of Ca and Mg were determined in herbal snuff brands sold in Sokoto, Nigeria. The highest calcium was detected in herbal snuff 4 (35.51 ± 6.10ppm), and the lowest was in snuff 1 (31.00 ± 9.10ppm). The magnesium concentration was highest in herbal stock 4 (9.31 ± 1.11ppm) and lowest in herbal stuff 3 (3.05 ± 0.60ppm). Generally, the levels of the analyzed elements are in the order of sodium > calcium > potassium > magnesium. Thus, there are significant (p < 0.05) sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels in herbal snuffs in Sokoto, Nigeria, and may contribute to the daily elemental requirements of consumers in the state and nearby.