Nutritive value of infant food processed from African yam bean (Sphenostylica sternocarpa) and Bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranean)

Abstract

Nutritive value of three infant diets formulated from composite flour of germinated African yam bean and bambara groundnut were evaluated using Nutrend Nestle infant food as a standard. The proximate analysis showed the values of the test diets and Nutrend as protein (21.38%, 22.23%, 23 .63%, 16.41 %); carbohydrates (54o/o, 54.21 %, 53.28%, 70.13%); lipids (7.51%,6. 73o/o, 6.30%, 3.01%, 0.80%); moisture (10.33%, 10.63%, 10.55%, 7.55%); fibre (2.94%, 3.01%, 3.01%, 0.80%); ash (2.98%, 3.20%, 3.10%,}_and caloric value (372.5%, 366.3%, 364.7%, 364.3%) Kcal/JOO g, respectively. The minerals and vitamins' value in test diets were potassium (981.0- 1132) mg/100 g; sodium (210.51 - 315.0) mg/100 g; calcium (513.10 - 592.10) mg/100 g; magnesium (41 .10-49.41); mg/IOOg; phosphorus (20.10-27.06) mg/100 g;  vitaminA(0.52-0.76, 0.05) mg/100 g; and vitamin C (5.12-5.84, 0.65) mg/JOO g. Results of the study indicated a high nutritive value for the test diets which could adequately meet the protein and energy requirements of infants if used as weaning foods. Diet I (Africa yam bean: bambara groundnut ratio 1:4) was recommended as the best formulation.