Nutrient Analysis of Indigenous Fortified Baby Weaning Foods from Nigerian Cereals

Abstract

Complementary food blends based on some cereals and legumes that are sold in Plateau State, Nigeria were formulated for baby weaning foods and were analyzed. The cereals used included Zea mays (white corn), Pennisetum typhoides (millet) and Digitaria exilis (acha). The legumes included Voandzeia subterranean (Bambara nuts), Arachis hypogaea (groundnuts) and Glycine max (soyabeans). The different blends were analyzed for their proximate nutrients and then the amounts of nutrients available in a meal (50g) of each of the blends. Results obtained showed that the different blends contained higher protein (18-20.4g) and energy (525-540kcal) than the control (16g, 400kcal) respectively. The different blends per meal (50g) did not meet the Recommended daily allowance (RDA), however, administering it three times per day will help meet the RDA’s. All the amino acids that were found in the control were also detected in the different blends. The complementary blends compared well with the standard formula and can be suggested for use as home made, less expensive infant foods during the complementary feeding period as breast feeding continues.

Key Words: Baby Weaning, Zea mays, Voandzeia subterranean, Arachis hypogaea, Glycine max