a b s t r a c t
The chemical composition of four common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) seeds was investigated to determine
their nutrition value. The result shows that the seeds are low in lipid (1.55–2.74% of dry weight), and high
in the unsaturated fatty acid (74.51–77.36% of total fatty acid). The ratio of essential amino acid to
non-essential amino acid (0.62–0.69) is even higher than the amount (0.38) recommended by World
Health Organization. Besides, the seeds are also found rich in Mg, Mn and Cu, but with a low ratio of
Ca to P (0.24–0.73), which may increase the risk of the mineral element toxicity. The results indicate that
the four common vetch seeds could be taken as an alternative food source, but the possible toxic effect
should be taken into consideration.