Evaluation of proximate composition, and mineral content of five soybean varieties in two research centers

Soybean is a valuable source of high-quality protein and oil, widely used in human diets. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition and mineral content of soybean varieties from two Ethiopian research centers and Dolo-Ado. Mature soybean seeds were collected from Kelafo, Dolo-Ado, and local markets. Proximate composition (moisture, ash, fat, protein, fiber) and mineral content (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc) were analyzed using standard methods, with triplicate measurements. Data were analyzed using Design Expert version 13 and Excel 2019. Moisture content ranged from 4.78–7.34%, protein 19.65–30.35%, fat 5.37–21.61%, and fiber 3.75–6.29%. Calcium ranged from 48.9–157.2 mg/100g, iron 5.37–12.06 mg/100g, magnesium 658.5–2429.1 mg/100g, and zinc 3.79–6.45 mg/100g. Varieties K-Pawa 1, K-Pawa 3, D-Pawa 3, and D-Gezale exhibited high nutritional value, making them suitable for addressing protein-energy malnutrition and mineral deficiencies, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and lactating mothers.