Proximate, Mineral, Vitamin Compositions, Mineral Safety Index and Mineral Ratios of the Flesh of Heterosexual Pairs of Neopetrolisthes maculatus

The flesh of female and male Neopetrolisthes maculatus was used for the determination of proximate, minerals, vitamins compositions, mineral safety index (MSI) and mineral ratios (MRs). The values of crude fat, carbohydrate, total ash, moisture and fatty acid were more concentrated in the female than male sample. These parameters: crude protein, carbohydrate, total ash and moisture were relatively high in both samples. The coefficient of variation percent (CV %) values ranged between 2.57 10.9 showing the value variations to be low. Both the total metabolisable energy and utilizable energy due to protein were higher in male than in female as shown: 1078 kJ 100g (male) >1055 kJ100g (female) and 41.3 (male) > 38.8 (female) respectively. All the mineral levels in the female sample were higher than in the male sample. These minerals were of high concentration (mg 100g) in the samples: Cu (15.9 16.3), Mn (5.73 6.21), Ca (542 – 562), Mg (652 – 682), K (317 – 329), Na (395 – 413) and P (1132 – 1143). Most of the mineral ratios were very low when compared to the ideal, those that were high were much higher than the ideal, and they were: Ca/Pb (492631 – 562195; ideal (id) = 84.0), Fe/Pb (1685-2083; id =4.40) and K/Co (1919-2082; id =2000) but values in Zn/Cd and Fe/Co were high but lower than the ideal values as shown: Zn/Cd (207 – 238; id =500) and Fe/Co (12.2-12.2; id =440). High mineral ratios were mainly observed in ratios involving trace elements. Mineral safety index of major concern in nutrition was observed in Mg and Cu in both samples. However the MSI aberration was more pronounced in the female than in the male. In the vitamin profiles niacin (B3) was the only vitamin higher in value in male than female out of eleven vitamin parameters determined. B3 in male was just 3.48% greater than in female whereas vitamins that had higher values in female than in male had higher percentage values that ranged between 4.22 15.0. All these parameters were significantly different at r = 0.01 between the two samples: proximate, percentage energy distribution, mineral, mineral ratios and vitamin composition. On pairwise comparison, the parameters determined were more concentrated in the female than the male; this could be due to the biological function of the female as a “mother crab”.


Introduction
Neopetrolisthes maculatus is a known spotted crab of two different colour forms. One form has carapace and white chelipeds having an uneven pattern of irregular sizes of red blotches; ambulatory legs also white, with some small red spots on meri of first pair (second pereopod). The other form has carapace and chelipeds with a uniform pattern of numerous small, reddish purple spots, meri of ambulatory legs also with numerous small, reddish purple spots [1].
Porcellanidae family consists of a group of crab-shaped anomuran crustaceans which belong to the super family Galatheoidea together with three other families Galatheidae, Munididae and Munidopsidae [2]. They mostly occur in rocky coral reefs of temperature and tropical coasts.
World Registers of Marine Species (WoRMS) has taxon details of Neopetrolisthes maculatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) [3]. Classification: Biota > Animalia (Kingdom) > Arthropoda (Phylum) > Crustacea (Subphylum) > Multicrustacea (Superclass) > Malacostracea (Class) > Eumalacostracea (Subclass) > Eucarida (Superorder) > Decapoda (Order) > Pleocyemata colorimetrically by Spectronic 20 (Gallenkamp, UK) using the phosphovanado molybdate method [16]. All chemicals used were of British Drug House (BDH, London, UK) analytical grade. The detection limits for the metals in aqueous solutions had been determined previously using the methods of Varian Techtron [17]. The optimal analytical range was 0.1 -0.5 absorbance units with coefficients of variation from 0.9% -2.21%. Some calculations were made from the analytical results: (i) Estimation of percentage energy contribution: The proportions of energy contribution from fat, protein and carbohydrate to total energy were calculated for each nutrient type. Values were reported in both kJ100g -1 and kcal100g -1 . Also calculated was the utilization of energy due to protein (UEDP%) in the samples.
(iii) Minerals safety index: The minerals safety index (MSI) were calculated [18] for minerals that have relevant standards for such determination. For the present work, MSI for these minerals were calculated: Fe, Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Cu, Se and Na using the formula: Calculated MSI = MSI/RAI x research data result where MSI = mineral safety index from the Table (standard); RAI = recommended adult intake.
(iv) Vitamins composition determination: The vitamins content of the samples were analysed following the modified methods of AOAC [16] [MTHD 992.03, 992.04 and 992.04 and 992. 26]. The samples were made to attain laboratory atmospheric condition on the bench after being removed from the storage chamber at less than 4 0 C. Each sample was pressed and completely homogenized in the mortar carefully with pestle to avoid forming balls. About 0.1g of each sample was weighed into 10ml beaker capacity. The vitamins were extracted in the container by the above methods. The extracted vitamins solution was concentrated to 1.0ml for the chromatographic analysis. The GC conditions for the vitamin analysis were: GC: HP 5890 powered with HP ChemStation rev. A 09.01 (1206) software; injection type: split injection; split ratio: 20:1; carrier gas: nitrogen; inlet temperature: 250 0 C; column type: HP 5; column dimensions: 30m × 0.25mm × 0.25µm; oven programme: initial temperature at 50 0 C, first ramping at 10 0 C min -1 for 20 min (250 0 C), maintained for 4 min, second ramping at 15 0 C min -1 for 4 min (310 0 C), maintained for 5 min; detector: PFPD; detector temperature: 320 0 C; hydrogen pressure: 20 psi; compressed air: 30 psi. All determinations were in duplicate and on dry weight.

Statistical Evaluation
Data results in Tables 1,3,5,8 and 10 were subjected to statistical analyses of correlation coefficients (r xy ), regression coefficients (R xy ), coefficients of alienation (C A ), index of forecasting efficiency (IFE), coefficient of determination of variance (r xy 2 ). Other calculations made were grand mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficients or variation (CV %). The r xy values were converted to critical Table values to find out if significant differences existed among the two heterosexual pair sample results at r = 0.01 [21]. The C A and IFE values were obtained using the following formulae [22]: The crude fat content of the samples with range values of 4.05 -4.45g100g -1 were moderate. These levels of fat in the flesh of the crab samples were good for people who want to take low fat in their nutritional sources. The values of crude fat in these samples formed about one third of the values reported for both male and female N. maculatus innards. Crude fat values observed for N. maculatus were 12.5g100g -1 (male) and 11.8g 100g -1 (female) [14]. The present crude fat values were close to the values of 5.15 -6.25g100g -1 in Acanthurus monroviae and Lutjanus goreensis fishes [23]; 7.48g100g -1 of the skin of Pellanula afzeliusis [24] and the value of 7.40 g100g -1 in the skin of barracuda fish [25]. The crude fat when subjected to fatty acid values [crude fat × 0.927 (female fat)] and [crude fat × 0.8975 (male crab)] [26] gave respective values of 4.45 g100g -1 and 4.05 g100g -1 . This gave a ratio of 1.10 : 1.00 (total fatty acids) in female and male flesh of N. maculatus respectively.
The ash levels in the samples were high at 28.0 g100g -1 (female) and 26.5g100g -1 (male). These values were about double of the values in the innard of the female (13.0 g100g -1 ) but three times the innard of the male (10.8 g100g -1 ) [14]. The implication of the total ash levels would likely result in high levels of minerals in the samples. It has been observed that moderate level of protein would result into moderate levels of crude fat, total ash and low level of carbohydrate. While carbohydrate and crude fat were moderate in the present results, total ash was slightly high.
The differences that occurred in the parameter values of the samples were also depicted in the Table 1. Differences ranged between 3.57 to 16.7 in percentage values. Positive signs showed that female had higher value in that parameter whereas negative value meant that male had higher value. Seven parameters were compared in the proximate composition, five parameters or 5/7 (71.4%) of the results were more positive towards the female sample whereas only two parameters or 2/7 (28.6%) were more positive towards the male sample. These preponderance of concentration values towards the female N. maculatus could be due to its function as a "mother crab".
In Table 2, we have the statistical evaluation of the results in Table 1. In the statistics, the following values were high: correlation coefficient (r xy ) (0.9958); variance (r xy 2 ) (0.9916), CV% (96.5, female) and 103 (male) and index of forecasting efficiency (IFE) (0.9084). The regression coefficient (R xy ) value was a reflection of the female parameters being totally higher in values than the male; meaning that for every unit increase in the male parameter, there was a corresponding increase of 1.06 in the female crab parameter. Both male and female CV% values were very high showing the high disparity in the overall concentrations of the parameters in the samples. The r xy was significant at r = 0.01 since r c = 0.9958 > r T = 0.874 at n-2 df (df = degree of freedom) meaning that significant differences existed in the proximate composition of the two samples. The mean values were low at 14.8 (male) -14.9 (female) with corresponding low values of standard deviation of 14.3 -15.3. The C A was low at 0.0916 or 9.16% with a corresponding high value for IFE at 0.9084 or 90.84%. It is known that the higher the C A , the lower the IFE and vice versa. Whilst C A is the error of prediction of relationship between two samples, the IFE is a reduction in the prediction of error of relationship. This meant that in this report the error of prediction was just 9.16% which could be regarded as low. Hence, the biochemical activities to be carried out by the male crab could also be carried out by the female crab of N. maculatus.  Table 3 contained the proportions of percentage energy contribution from fat, protein and carbohydrate to total energy. Total metabolisable energy ranged from 1055 kJ100g -1 -1078kJ100g -1 (250 kcal 100g -1 -255 kcal 100g -1 ). The percentage contribution of energy from protein was highest having values range of 64.7 -68.9. The least percentage contribution came from fat at 38.8 -41.3. All the CV% values were low at range values of 1.40 -9.58. The total metabolisable energy values here were lower than in the innards of N. maculatus where values of 1446-1493 kJ100g -1 were reported [14]; the values were also lower to 1438 -1442 kJ100g -1 reported in A. monroviae and L.

50
SFP Volume 3 goreensis [23]; 1.61-1.71 MJ 100g -1 from eight organs of guinea-fowl [33]; sheep lean meat (2.06 MJ100g -1 ) and lean pork meat (2.29 MJ100g -1 ) [34]; cereal values of 1.3 -1.6 MJ100g -1 [35]. The present values were however close to the value of 1142 kJ100g -1 reported for C. latimanus [27]. The energy contribution trend was PEP% > PEC% > PEF% which contrasted innards of N. maculatus in the position of PEC% and PEF% as shown: PEP% > PEF% > PEC% [14]. The energy need of an adult depends on his physiological state and it ranges from 2500 -3000 kcal; for the infant, energy requirement is 740 kcal [36]. Going by the minimum energy value of adult requirement, a value of 1000g female and 980g male sample would be needed for daily energy supply whereas the values would be for infants at 296g female and 290g male. These values were higher than in these literature values: 704 -845g (adults) and 208g (infants) of male innards of N. maculatus [14] whereas it was 727 -872g (adults) and 344g (infants) of female innards [14]; 733-880g (adults) and 220 (infant) of A. monroviae and 735 -882g (adults) and 221g (infants) of L. goreensis [23]; from C. latimanus (915g, adults minimum) and (271g, infants) [27]; 786 -944 (muscle) and 761 -913 (skin) of turkey for adults requirement but 233g (muscle) and 325g (skin) for infants [37]; from guinea-fowl organs we have 649 -733 (adult man) and 192g (infants) [33]. Despite the fact that the metabolisable energy from the flesh of N. maculatus was lower than the literature values, it can still be regarded as a moderate energy dense source. Finally in Table 3 was depicted the utilizable energy due to protein (UEDP%) whose values range were 38.  [38]. When the samples serve mainly as the protein source in the diet of man, protein energy malnutrition in children and adults would be prevented; the samples would also be good to be used as fortifier in protein deficient cereal products. The PEF% of 13.9 -15.6 was about one-half of the value recommended level of 30% [39] and slightly below one-half of 35% [40] for total fat intake (assuming it serves as the only source of fat in the diet); this is good for people wishing to adopt the guidelines for a healthy diet. PEP = proportion of total energy due to protein; PEC = proportion of total energy due to carbohydrate; PEF = proportion of total energy due to fat; UEDP = utilization of 60% of PEP%.
Water is indispensable for the efficient utilization and conservation of food within the body [41], this is because the water content of the body changes with the type of diet [42]. The biochemical basis for this relationship arises from the fact that water deficit created by protein metabolism is about seven times that for equivalent calories of carbohydrates or fats. Hence, in young children an increase in calories from carbohydrate causes hydration, whereas an increase in calories from proteins causes dehydration [43]. The increased output of ketones and acids which accompanies a shift to high-fat diets is associated with increased water loss which can be offset by an increase in carbohydrate intake. The quality of protein can also influence the degree of tissue hydration. Albanese [44] had given the number of grammes of water required for complete metabolism of 100 calories of some food substances. Food materials (protein, starch and fat) all have pre-formed water of 0.00 in each case; water gained by oxidation: 10.3 (protein), 13.9 (starch) and 11.9 (fat); lost in dissipation of heat: 60.0 for each of the food material; water lost in excreting end products (1 calorie of protein requires 3.0 ml of water for the excretion of urea and sulphate formed from it, 1g of ash requires 65ml of water for the excretion): 300 (protein), both 0.00 in starch and fat; deficit: 350 (protein), 46 (starch) and 48 (fat). From Table 3, 161 kcal100g -1 energy from female crab protein would require 483 ml of water for complete metabolism whereas the male crab sample protein of 175 kcal100g -1 energy would require 525 ml of water for complete protein metabolism. Hence, whereas female crab flesh would have water deficit of 564 ml, male crab flesh would have water deficit of 613 ml (noting that 100 calories have a water deficit of 350 ml). For the consumer of one of these samples in the diet, each would need slightly below one litre of water for consumption to avoid water deficit. In the innards that had more protein, energy from male crab water requirement/water deficit was (227 kcal100g -1 ; 681ml/795ml) whereas in the female, the values were (222 kcal 100g -1 ; 666 ml/777ml) [14]. Table 4 contained the statistical evaluation of the data from Table 3. These values were all high: r xy , r xy 2 , mean, standard deviations, CV% and IFE. These values were very close or similar in the female and male statistical values: mean (239 -244), SD (457 -467) and CV% . The IFE was very high at 99.49% making the prediction of relationship virtually error free (just 0.51%) between the two heterosexuals. The r = 0.01 showed r c = 0.99999 > r T= 0.959, hence results were significantly different.   [45]. Fourteen minerals were determined in each of the present samples. Differences in the mineral values were shown in Table 5. Differences in percentage values ranged from 0.995 -18.9 with the least difference coming from P and the highest came from Cd. Out of the 15 parameters whose differences were calculated, 14 or 14/15 (93.3%) had values more positive towards female whereas 1 or 1/5 (6.67%) had value more positive towards the male crab sample. The concentration of minerals in crabs are known to be influenced by a number of factors that include seasonal and biological differences (species, size, age, sex and sexual maturity), food and food source and environment (water chemistry, salinity, temperature and contaminants) [46]. The sex mineral differences observed could be due to the reproductive state and metabolism.
Fe is an essential trace element as it has several vital functions in the human system. Fe in haemoglobin serves to carry oxygen to tissues from the lungs. Adequate Fe in the diet is very important for reducing the incidence of anemia particularly in young children. Deficiency in Fe may occur when demand for Fe is high like in growth, high menstrual loss and pregnancy and the intake is quantitatively inadequate or contains elements that render the Fe unavailable for absorption [47]. When the amount of Ca is adequate in the diet, Fe is utilized to better advantage; this is an instance of sparing action [48]. Transition metal ions, particularly Cu and Fe have been known as the major catalysts for oxidation [49]. Cu and Fe are important minerals found in fish as respiratory pigment, whereas Co is a constituent of vitamin B 12 .
Ca and P are always found together in the body, both contributing to the supportive structures of the body. Ca in these samples ranged as 542 -562 mg100g -1 (17.7 -17.8%). In C. lucifera, Ca range was 11.2 ± 0.45 -22.1 ± 0.43 mg100g -1 (wet weight) [45] whereas Ca values in green tiger shrimp and speckled shrimp were 60.28 mg100g -1 and 60.44 mg100g -1 respectively [49]. About 1.9% Ca is available in the human body and provides rigidity to the skeleton and plays important role in many metabolic processes [50]. Ca plays essential role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, hard tissue structure, osmoregulation and as a cofactor for enzymatic processes.
In premoult period of C. pagurus, hepatopancreas accumulates Ca that is likely used in the exoskeleton calcification [51].
Phosphorus is present in cells and in the blood as soluble phosphate ion, also present in lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and in energy transfer enzymes [52]. Phosphorus is also an essential component in nucleic acids and nucleoproteins responsible for cell division, reproduction and the transmission of hereditary traits [53]. Phosphorus was the most concentrated mineral in the samples with values range of 1132 -1143 mg100g -1 and percentage levels of 36.2 -37.0.
Potassium values ranged from 317 -329 mg100g -1 and percentage values of 10.3 -10.4. It is primarily an intracellular cation, in large part it is bound to protein and with sodium influences osmotic pressure and contributes to normal pH equilibrium [54]. Plants and animal tissues are both rich sources of K, thus a dietary lack is seldom found. Sodium is a trace element in plants whereas K is much higher, hence K will reduce the deleterious effect of Na in the presence of higher level of K. Potassium is also involved in the storage and transfer of energy and nucleotide synthesis. Sodium was more concentrated in the samples than potassium. The sodium values range of 395 -413 mg100g -1 (12.9 -13.1%) were observed in the samples. Sodium is the principal cation of the extracellular fluid and regulator of its volume. Sodium also helps to maintain the acid-base balance and essential for nerve system. The range of total percentage of Na + K was 23.2 -23.5.
Magnesium is important for human nutrition and it is required for the body's enzyme system. In concentration, Mg was next to P in the present samples having values of 652 -682 mg100g -1 and percentage levels of 21.6 -21.8. In addition to maintaining bone health, Mg acts in all cells of soft tissues, where it forms part of protein-making machinery and necessary for energy metabolism. Magnesium is a co-factor for enzyme systems [54]. Manganese is important for the development of bones. It also acts as an activator of enzyme systems. Manganese had values range of 5.73-6.21 mg100g -1 in the samples, its value being about double the value of Fe in the samples but about four times the values of Zn in the samples. Zinc is an essential trace element for all living species because it is an important component of several enzymes and plays an essential role in a number of biological processes involved in growth and development [50]. MacFarlane et al. [55] reported higher Cu and Zn accumulation in females than males of semaphore crab, Helioecious cordiformis just as observed in the present research. Table 6 has the statistical analysis of the results from Table 5. The values of r xy , r xy 2 , mean, standard deviation, CV% and IFE were high. R xy value showed the male values were increasing by 0.9789 mg100g -1 as female values were increasing by 1.00 mg100g -1 . Because C A was low, error of prediction of relationship was also low and the overall results were significantly different at r = 0.01 . The mineral ratios were shown in Table 7. Mineral ratios are often more important than the individual mineral levels themselves and this had been illustrated by the statements by Vitale et al. as quoted by Watts [19]: "Determining nutritional interrelationships is much more than knowing mineral levels alone. From a global stand point, although dietary deficiency is at the more serious end of the spectrum, the opposite end, dietary excess and aberrations contribute to the burden of disease." "Mild and subclinical deficiencies of nutrients outnumber overt syndromes ten to one."

SFP Volume 3
Significant ratios calculated include calculations of the following mineral relationships: Ca/P, Na/K, Ca/K, Zn/Cu, Ca/Mg, Na/Mg and Fe/Cu. These select mineral ratios revealed not only the important balance between these elements, but they also provided information regarding the many possible factors that may be represented by a disruption of their relationships, such as disease states, physiological and developmental factors, the effects of diet, drugs, would also predispose a person with parasymphatetic dominance to certain health conditions if severe or chronic [19]. For the understanding of the mineral ratios, let us explain in detail the example of Na/K ratio. For Na/K ratio-Ideally there should be a 2.4:1 ratio of sodium relative to potassium with a range of 1.4 to 3.4 being acceptable. The sample results gave ratios of 1.25-1.26 which were below the ideal range. All the significant ratios have their values in the results being less than the ideal and also not falling within the acceptable ideal range. This is similar to the observations in the innards of N. maculatus [14]. Toxic metal ratios in these results were Fe/Pb, Ca/Pb and Zn/Cd whilst additional ratios were Fe/Co and K/Co. In nutrition, the [K/Ca + Mg)] values are very important. These ratios are being reported solely for the purpose of gathering research data. Mineral ratios analyses have been very useful in analysis of hair as a biochemical marker.
The mineral safety index (MSI) whose standards were available were calculated and shown in Table 8. The MSI standard values (TV of MSI, TV = Table value) were shown in column three of Table 8. For the sake of understanding the MSI calculation, an example will suffice; taking Ca as an example we have: the recommended adult intake (RAI) of Ca is 1200mg, its minimum toxic dose (MTD) is 12000 mg or 10 times the recommended daily average (RDA) which is equivalent to MSI of Ca. This is the reasoning for the other minerals. Mg and Cu were the only minerals in both samples whose MSI values were greater than the standard values thereby resulting in negative differences whilst all others gave positive differences. The negative difference value in Mg was -10.6 (-70.7%) in the female and -9.50 (-63.3%) in the male; this meant the female crab might overload the consumer to the tune of 70.7% (Mg) and the male to the tune of 63.3% (Mg). Cu overload was worse with -146 (-442%) female and -142 (-430%) male. The negative calculated MSI values were also observed at high levels in the innards of N. maculatus [14]. In these samples Cu concentration was beyond being a trace element. Those calculated MSI < standard MSI meant that such minerals would not constitute mineral overload nor become toxic to the samples consumers. The very high levels of Cu might impair the metabolism of Fe, Zn and Mn. The CV% values in Table 8 ranged from 0.707 -11.2 showing the MSI values to be close between the two samples.
Statistical evaluation of the results in Table 8 could be seen in Table 9. These values were high as earlier observed in earlier statistical results: r xy, r xy 2 , standard deviation, CV% and IFE. Rxy < 1.00 but mean and coefficient of alienation (C A ) were low. At r = 0.01 , the results were significantly different. The vitamins composition of the samples were shown in Table 10. Vitamins of significance were (mg100g -1 ): B 3  parameter values were close. The differences between the values of each vitamin were determined; we have 12 parameters. Of these 12 vitamins 11 of them or 11/12 (91.7%) were more concentrated in the female sample whilst only one parameter (B 3 ) was more concentrated in the male than female; this difference was just 3.48%; this being the least difference in the vitamins among the samples. The vitamin levels being more concentrated in the female sample than the male were in conformity with the observations made in the innards of N. maculatus [14]. Deficiency syndromes may occur when the body does not get adequate supply of required vitamins. Vitamin B 2 deficient person has the tendency of the person having the accumulation of fat in the liver which resembles changes normally observed in the liver of chronic alcoholics. In humans with liver cirrhosis, decreased concentration of vitamin B 2 is found mostly in necrotic regions [56]. Vitamin B 2 was low in these samples and would require supplementation from riboflavin rich food sources.
The term niacin has been used generally to encompass the active forms of this vitamin, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide; however, estimates of niacin requirements take into account preformed niacin as well as that obtained as niacin equivalent in the body from tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. Hence, it was estimated that when 60mg of Trp is consumed by an adult, enough of Trp is oxidized to produce 1.0mg of niacin [57]. In 1980, RDA of niacin was 6.6 niacin equivalent (NE) per 1000 kcal and intake not less than basic NE had been recommended when the calorie intake is less than 2000 kcal; one NE is equivalent to 1.0 mg niacin (or 60 mg Trp) [58]. Vitamin B 3 in the samples ranged from 2.94 -3.04 mg100g -1 and the Trp level ranged from 1.23 -1.39 g100g -1 [13] meaning that the samples would be good sources of niacin either directly or indirectly.
The concentration range of the values of vitamin B 6 was 1.34 e-1 to 1.42 e-1 mg100g -1 . Vitamin B 6 has many generic names like pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, the co-enzyme forms of which are pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate [58]. Vitamin B 6 is needed in the synthesis of DNA bases; it is a co-enzyme in the biosynthesis of thymedine. B 6 dietary deficiency or an increase in the thymedine requirement at a critical time during cell division could result in initial cell mutations that develop into a tumor [59]. The RDAs were based on a ratio of 0.02mg of vitamin B 6 per gram of protein consumed. From this estimate, the vitamin B 6 required to satisfy the protein composition (assuming being main protein source) from the crab flesh would be 0.02 × 40.2 = 0.804 mg (female) and 0.02 × 43.7 = 0.874 mg (male). These values were low and generally fell below the RDA standards but higher than the levels reported for rosmas variety seeds (0.046 -0.049 mg100g -1 ) [60].
Vitamin B 9 (folic acid) is of no consequence in the present results; its values being in the range of 4.07 e-7 to 4.54 e-7 mg100g -1 . However where present in reasonable quantity, it has been reported to inhibit growth of tumors [61,62]. Folacin, the co-enzyme of vitamin B 9 is needed for the synthesis of purine and methionine, for the catabolism of histidine, and for the conversion of serine to glycine [58].
Vitamin B 5 (panthothenic acid) had values range of 3.44 e-1 to 3.73 e-1 mg100g -1 . These values were close to the values of 3.17 e-1 to 4.19 e-1 mg100g -1 reported for the innards of N. maculatus [14]. Recommended dietary allowances (male, age 19 -70 years) is 5.0mg [63] which is much higher than the present results, hence supplementation may be required.
Vitamin E levels were 1.18 -1.34 mg100g -1 which were close to the levels of 1.14 -1.34 mg100g -1 in N. maculatus innards [14]. Other names for vitamin E are tocopherols, tocotrienols. The RDA for male (19 -70 years) is 15.0 mg per day [63]; this is much higher than the crab flesh results. Deficiency is said to be very rare; sterility in males and abortions in females, mild hemolytic anemia in newborn infants.
Vitamin C is active in the body either as ascorbic acid or as dehydroascorbic acid. There is a clear link between the functions of vitamin C and its reversible oxidation and reduction properties. Vitamin C plays important roles in many biochemical reactions involving incorporation of oxygen into the substrate [62]. Also, tissue defense mechanism against free radical damage generally involves vitamin C, vitamin E and β-carotene as the major vitamin anti-oxidants in extracellular fluids [64]. The RDA of vitamin C for adults (60 mgday -1 ) maintains a body pool of 1.5g and 10 mgday -1 is sufficient to prevent or cure scurvy [57]. The ascorbic acid levels in the present results ranged from 6.98 -7.59 mg100g -1 which were low to the standard requirement, hence, supplementation may be needed. Other vitamins determined but of low concentration were B 4 , A, B 1 and K. In Table 11, we have the report of the statistical analysis of the results from Table 10. These values were high: r xy , r xy 2 , Rxy, CV% and IFE. Both the mean, standard deviation and the coefficient of alienation were low. The results were significantly different at r = 0.01 and the prediction of biochemical relationship was also not difficult since the error of prediction was low at 2.64%.

Conclusions
Neopetrolisthes maculatus heterosexual flesh samples were found to be low in fat, carbohydrate, fibre but high in protein and ash. The highest energy contribution of the nutrients came from protein and least from fat. The utilization of energy value due to protein was much higher than the recommended value. Dominant macro minerals in the samples were: Mg, Ca, K, Na and P; nutritionally valuable trace minerals were: Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn and Ni; the biochemically toxic metals were Cd and Pb which were all significantly very low. No mineral ratio met the acceptable ideal range. In the mineral safety index, Mg and Cu were at the deleterious levels. Vitamins with concentration of importance were: B 3 , B 6 , C, B 1 , B 2 , E and B 5 . The female crab was better concentrated in minerals and vitamins but the male was better in protein concentration. All the parameters investigated were significantly different between the male and the female N. maculatus samples at r = 0.01 .