Abstract

EFFECT OF CUCUMBER CONSUMPTION ON PLASMA ELECTROLYTES PROFILE LEVELS IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, NNEWI CAMPUS, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Ezeugwunne Ifeoma Priscillia*, Ogbodo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Onah Christian Ejike, Analike Rosemary Adamma, Onyegbule Onyema Athanatius, Oguaka Victor Nwabunwanne, Ugwu Micheal Chukwuemeka, Amah Akuma Kalu, Meludu Samuel Chukwuemeka

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of oral intake of cucumber on plasma electrolytes profile levels in young apparently healthy students. A total of 29 subjects (14 males and 15 females) were recruited. Each subject was advised to abstain from cucumber and similar vegetables consumption for two weeks. Thereafter, they received 400 g of whole cucumber for 21days prior to their daily breakfast. 5mls each of baseline (day zero) and post consumption (day 22) samples were collected after overnight fast into lithium heparin containers for estimation of biochemical parameters (Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3-) respectively. Plasma electrolytes were analyzed using Ion Selective Electrode Method. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using student t-test and pearson r correlation. The Body mass index (BMI) of subjects studied remained the same. There was no significant difference in the mean plasma electrolyte profile levels in post cucumber consumption when compared to the pre-cucumber consumption (p<0.05). However, the mean plasma Na+ level differed significantly in female than male subjects after cucumber consumption (130.17+11.68 Vs 139.55+2.12; p=0.011). Significant correlations were noted in Na+ Vs K+, Na+ Vs Cl- as well as in weight vs BMI of subjects after cucumber consumption (r=0.802, -0.623, 0.957; p=0.000, respectively). This study revealed no harmful effect of cucumber consumption on the electrolyte profile.

Keywords: Cucumber, Cucumis sativus, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate.