Mineral Content Analysis of Polyherbal Energy Bar Using X-Ray Fluorescence Technique

Aim: The objective of the present study was to develop a novel energy bar which is nutritious and cost effective. Materials and Methods: The components used for the novel energy bar were banana, orange, peanuts, raisins, cocoa butter, stevia leaves and oats. Mineral contents of energy bar were analysed by XRF technique. Results: The mineral contents were present in comparable amount. Major elements viz. K 17.15%, P 4.57%, Mg 1.43%, Ca 0.93%, Na 0.66%, S 0.54%, Fe 0.15%, Zn 0.05% and Cu 0.02% were present in energy bar. Conclusion: Minerals are good for overall growth of body. The energy bar also contains no preservatives, binding agents and sugar free. So, the energy bar is major source of energy and minerals for all age group individuals.

its therapeutic properties. 10Minerals are very good source of energy for overall health.They generally help in maintenance of muscles functioning, acid base balance and nerve stimulations. 11he objective of the present study was to prepare a healthy and nutritional energy bar by using different natural ingredients.Also, to check the mineral contents present in the energy bar using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) method.

X-ray Fluorescence
XRF is the emission of x-rays from a material that has been excited by bombarding with high energy x-rays or gamma rays.This technology provides one of the simplest, most accurate and most cost-effective analytical methods for the investigation of the chemical composition of many types of materials, particularly in the determination of metals, building materials, glass and ceramics and also for research in geochemistry and forensic science.It is nondestructive and reliable, requires no, or very little, sample preparation and is suitable for solid, liquid and powdered samples. 12It can be used for wide range of elements and provide detection limits at the sub-ppm level. 13

Raw Materials
Raw materials like ripe banana, oranges, raisins, oats, cocoa butter, dried stevia leaves, dark compound chocolate for final coating were purchased from the local market.

Method of Preparation
1. Ripe banana pureed in a mixer grinder added with the juice of two oranges approximately.Roasted peanuts which have their skin removed are ground in a mixer to a powdered form all these are mixed with cocoa butter and powdered stevia leaves.2. All ingredients are cooked together on low heat until the juice evaporates and becomes a homogeneous paste on low simmered heat for 15 min approximately for a batch of approximately 400gm puree of ripe banana.3. On cooling the mixture we added the oats and raisins and refrigerated the mixture for half an hour, so that we may hands mold them into shape or bars.4.This is later dipped in tempered dark chocolate of 31 º C to form the outer coating and thereby completing the bar.
Tempering of chocolate

Mineral Content Determination Sample preparation
The 100gm of energy bar sample was weighed using weighing machine.
The quantity was poured into crucibles then it was placed in the muffle furnace for combustion to a temperature of 500-600 º C. The ash obtained after combustion allowed cooling in the muffle furnace for 24 -30 h to room temperature and with the use of forceps and spatula the content of the crucibles for each sample was transferred into a pan for a Re-weighed.

Method of XRF Analysis
The method of XRF analysis involves keeping the geometry of the tubesample-detector assembly constant; the sample was prepared as a flat disc, typically of diameter 28mm and thickness 1mm.Samples were located at a standardized, small distance from the tube window.Because the X-ray intensity follows an inverse-square law, the tolerance for this placement and for the flatness of the surface must be very tight in order to maintain a repeatable X-ray flux.Ashes were machined to shape and finely ground and pressed into a tablet.A further reason for obtaining a flat and representative sample surface was that the secondary X-rays from lighter elements often only emit from the top few micrometers of the sample. 14,15

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
White milky ash was obtained after combustion of energy bar in furnace.The various elements were detected by XRF method.The major elements which were detected sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium etc. Potassium (K) is also a vital mineral for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.Potassium in association with sodium ions, potassium plays an important role in the nerve functions and also for muscle growth.K 17.15% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral for the human body and it helps in strengthen immune system and maintain normal nerves and muscles function.Magnesium also helps in reduction of blood pressure and blood glucose level. 16 1.43% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.Calcium (Ca) is a mineral that is mainly associated with strengthen of bones, teeth and gums.Ca plays an important role in the normal functioning of the mechanism of blood coagulation, for normal muscle functioning.Ca 0.93% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.Phosphorous (P) helps to synthesize protein for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues.P 4.15% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.Zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral for normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, adolescence and proteins synthesis in body.The insufficiency of zinc may lead to diarrhoea, stunted growth, impotence, hair loss and skin diseases and weak immunity.Zn 0.05% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.Iron (Fe) is an essential metal ion that is involved in oxygen transport and helps regulate cell growth and differentiation.It is known that the deficiency of iron leads to anaemia which is prevalent in many parts of the world. 17Fe 0.15% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.Copper (Cu) plays a role in proteins synthesis in our body such as collagen and hemoglobin, which transport oxygen. 18Cu 0.02% was present in novel polyherbal energy bar as shown in Table 1.

CONCLUSION
On the basis of results obtained it could be concluded that newly developed energy bar was recorded remarkable number of mineral contents.Minerals are very essential for overall mental and physical growth.Novel energy bar is good source of mineral content and thus individual feeding this energy bar will not be mineral deficient.It is beneficial for diabetic patients because there were stevia leaves used as a natural sweetener and no chemical preservatives added.The product is also gluten free so it is safe for celiac patients.This energy bar is very cost effective and it could be used as a substitute for expensive commercial formula.
The temperature of chocolate has to be regulated by a thermometer and bought up to approximately 42 to 45 º C. 3.This process is repeated at least two times, with alternation of cooling and heating, the chocolate is cooled till 30 1. First pieces of chocolate are broken put in a heavy bottom pan in a double boiler and allowed to melt. 2. º C.This temperature change is done to bring out a shine and texture to the chocolate and repeated till the desired sheen is acquired.The chocolate being melted at controlled temperatures is what tempering is all about.