LEVELS OF VITAMIN A IN SOME FORTIFIED VEGETABLE OILS AND MARGARINES SOLD IN GOMBE STATE

Abstract

This research assessed the levels of compliance with vitamin A fortification by the
manufacturers of margarines and vegetable oils. This was carried out by the determination of
vitamin A in the margarines and vegetable oil samples which were purchased from retail outlets
in Gombe metropolis. The levels of vitamin A were determined calorimetrically at 620nm after
extraction. The levels of vitamin A in the vegetable oils samples ranged between 5322 and 7900
iu/kg while the level of margarine samples ranged from 3660-6170 iu/kg and the levels in which
is in line with the manufacturers intended level of fortification. However, the recommended
value for Vitamin A is 20000 iu/kg. It can be concluded that the degree of compliance in vitamin
A fortification in margarine and vegetable oil samples is low and more effort has to be put by
authorities to ensure strict compliance by the manufacturers of these products.