Comparative Study of the Nutrient Composition of Millet and Maize-Based Complementary Weaning Foods

Abstract

Children in the study area are mostly weaned on cereal gruel that is deficient in some essential nutrients. The current work compared the nutrient composition of millet (MLMX) and the (MZMX) based complementary food prepared from locally sourced food stuffs. MZMX was formulated from maize, soyabeans, groundnuts, crayfish and palm oil. MLMX contained millet in place of maize. Proximate composition of the two diets, were not significantly different (p > 0.05) and compared well with frisocream. Mineral element composition of the two diets was significantly ( p < 0.05) different when compared. Amino acid compositions of the diets were comparable to that of frisocream. Antinutritional factors in the two diets were not significantly (p > 0.05) different when compared.