Nutrient composition and sensory attributes of complementary foods made from maize (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and dates (Phoenix dactylifera)

Abstract

Background: Complementary foods are foods given to the infants from 6 months till 24 months in order to complement breastfeeding.

Objective: The study was carried out to examine the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of complementary food made from maize, soybean, groundnut and dates.

Methods: The grains were purchased from Ubani market in Umuahia. Maize and soybean were soaked for 48 and 24 hour respectively, soybean was boiled for 1 hour then dehulled and both were oven dried at specific temperature then milled into flour. Groundnut and dates were washed, cleaned and drained thoroughly. The groundnut seed was roasted to remove the hulls while the dates' seed was separated from the flesh and both were milled into flours. The products were analysed using standard analytical methods.

Results: Sample MSGD415 (65% maize: 25% soybean: 10% groundnut: 5% dates) had the highest moisture content (65.76%) and carbohydrate (19.41%). Sample C410 (control) had the highest total solid content (27.25%), ash content (1.76%), fat (9.71%) crude fibre (1.13%) and energy value (188.02kcal). The mineral content showed that sample MSGD400 (70% maize: 20% soybean: 5% groundnut: 5% dates) had the highest iron (2.91mg/100g), while sample MSGD415 had the highest zinc (4.71mg/100g), copper (6.93mg/100g) and magnesium (15.31mg/100g). Sample C410 had the highest calcium (28.7mg/100g), while sample MSGD405 (60% maize: 20% soybean: 15% groundnut: 5% dates) had the highest iodine (9.17 mg/100g). The vitamins composition showed that sample MSGD415 had the highest β-carotene (3.56μg/100g), while sample C410 had the highest vitamin C content (8.43mg/100g). For the anti-nutrients, sample MSGD400 had the highest alkaloid (0.26mg/100g). Sample C410 had the highest tannin (0.18mg/100g) and phenol (0.13mg/100g). Sample MSGD405 had the highest flavonoid (0.17mg/100g). Samples MSGD415 and MSGD400 had the highest saponin (0.27mg/100g).

Conclusion: The formulated complementary food were comparable to the control (cerelac).