## 4 Discussion
Potassium (K), despite being the macro-element with the lowest concentration, is vital as part of the daily diet, as it is not produced by the body. According to the World Health Organization [32], the minimum daily intake of K is 3.5 gfor adults. _C. edulis_ fruits prove to be a substantial food supply of K, being a rich dietary source of this mineral, with beneficial effects in the prevention of diabetes [33]. Regarding non-essential and/or toxic trace elements, Sr (20.12 \(\upmu\)g/g), Rb (14.20 \(\upmu\)g/g), and Al (10.4 \(\upmu\)g/g) were the most significant ones. Some metals have been used in medicinal chemistry, acting as therapeutic agents when in limited concentrations/doses. Also, small amounts of Sn (101 ng/g), Zr (24.39 ng/g), and Li (11.2 ng/g) were found in _C. edulis_ fruits. Lithium (Li) provided in low and controlled doses is effective as an adjuvant in depressive diseases, exhibiting anti-suicidal effects [34]. Inorganic compounds of Sn can cause gastrointestinal and hematological effects, as well as kidney and liver damage. However, there are few reports as to the genotoxicity of Sn compounds in the literature. Likewise, limited animal research has not clarified the potential toxicity of inorganic Sn [35]. Similarly, zirconium (Zr) presents low toxicity. Although some zirconium compounds can be irritating, especially in their soluble forms, the metal itself is not poisonous [36]. As a result, it is possible to assume that the non-essential mineral profile found in _C. edulis_ fruit constitutes no risk to public health. Despite these variations in mineral composition, our qualitative profile was identical to that described by [PERSON] et al. [24]. In general, the mineral composition of _C. edulis_ fruits can be considered high, especially since minerals are related to ash contents. In truth, the amount of ash in _C. edulis_ fruit is comparable to that in most vegetables and can vary between 5 and 10 g/100 g [37], including tomatoes (7.1 g/100 g), potatoes (10.4 g/100 g), and spinach (17.3-22.3 g/100 g) [38]. All minerals are important for good health, and their consumption must meet the body's needs. When they are not supplied in adequate quantities, their deficiencies give rise to symptoms that may be more or less specific. Food supplementation of minerals can correct their deficiency in quantity and bioavailability [39]. According to the results of this work, the Hottentot fig is rich in minerals, with very important functions in the human body. Among all macrominerals, calcium is indispensable for bone formation, the regulation of muscle contraction, the transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and hormone secretion; magnesium is essential for nerve, muscle, and bone functions; and potassium is necessary for basic cellular function, namely for maintaining intracellular volume [40; 41; 42]. The trace minerals found in greater quantity in this fruit are necessary for the function of several metalloenzymes (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu); metabolic processes such as oxygen transport, DNA and erythrocyte synthesis, and electron transport (Fe); immune response (Fe, Cu, and Zn); antioxidant defense; and cardiac function and iron absorption (Cu), among others [40; 41]. This study provides accurate data related to the Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu content in _C. edulis_ fruits. These results may be useful for future studies to characterize and to enhance _C. edulis_ species in future applications whilst focusing on a sustainable economy. Although there are already some studies on the nutritional profile in different organs of _C. edulis_[3; 8; 12; 37], the characterization of fatty acids in the fruit is relatively unclear. As a result, the fatty acid composition of _C. edulis_ dried fruits was investigated in this study to ensure that their medicinal capabilities and health advantages are fully utilized. Regarding the fatty acid profile of _C. edulis_, there is currently very little information available in the literature.