Nutritional Evaluation of a Complementary Food Based on Dates, Millet, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Moringa Leaf Powder

Abstract

The aim of this study was to formulate highly nutritious infant foods. The nutritional quality of a complementary porridge based on pearl millet, orange-fleshed sweet potato, dates and mixed with Moringa leaf powder was assessed using standard methods. A total of 7 formulations were produced, with compositional proportions calculated on the basis of recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for children aged 1-2 years. The linear regression method was used to combine the samples into different formulations to meet FAO/WHO/UNICEF requirements. The results obtained revealed that the nutritional composition of the flour on a dry weight basis was as follows: crude fiber: 2.6-3.3 g/100g, ash: 1.9-2.13 g/100g, crude fat: 0.66-1.38 g/100g, crude protein: 8.34-11.07 g/100g, carbohydrates: 73-77 g/100g and 346-352 g/100g energy. Iron, zinc and calcium contents were 4.5-6.3, 1.46-1.81, 183-240mg/100g respectively, and vitamin A content was 308-497 µg/110g. The incorporation of Moringa leaf powder improved the nutritional quality of the supplementary feed.