Exploring The Feasibility Of Implementing Formulated Complementary Diets In Real-World Settings To Address Malnutrition In Young Children

Abstract

Malnutrition significantly impacts a child's growth, development, and overall survival. To address this issue beyond the age of six months, this study developed three distinct dietary supplements to complement breast milk for early-age children. Comprehensive multivariate assessments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality and safety of these infant diets, employing established standard methods. The findings revealed that the diets exhibited carbohydrate and protein contents ranging from 2.84 to 32.48% and 40.66 to 63.23%, respectively. Importantly, the diets contained low levels of tannins, phytate, and oxalate.  Notably, the high corn diet exhibited significantly higher mineral elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in bulk density and swelling capacity, but the medium corn diet displayed higher water absorption capacity and least gelation (p < 0.05). These diets were found to contain essential amino acid and vitamin requirements, conforming to FAO/WHO reference values. The sensory analysis yielded ratings within acceptable limits using a 9-point hedonic scale. Moreover, microbial load assessments complied with international microbiological standards (≤10⁵ cfu/ml). These cost-effective and nutritionally sound dietary options present a pragmatic solution to addressing nutritional challenges faced by infants and children in developing nations.