Nutritional, antioxidant and organoleptic properties of therapeutic-complementary-food formulated from locally available food materials for severe acute malnutrition management

Abstract

Abstract Background The prevalence of severe acute malnutrition among children (< 5 years) due to low energy-protein density of local complementary foods and poor feeding practices is a great concern in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive. Hence, the aimed of this study was to formulate and evaluate the chemical composition, functional, antioxidant and organoleptic properties of low-cost complementary foods from locally accessible food material using household technologies. Using UNCEF guidelines, three complementary foods were formulated and their nutritional characteristics were compared with local complementary food (100% sorghum) and ready-to-using therapeutic food. Results Protein (g/100 g) and energy values (kcal./100 g) of formulated complementary foods varied from 16.16 to 16.93 and 418.08 to 474.13, respectively, and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than OG (7.72; 378.71) (a 100% sorghum flour), but lower than P0 (539.8) (a read-to-eat therapeutic food). Mineral elements (mg/100 g) in the food samples were K (4175–6350.5), Ca (341.5–949), Fe (23.5–50.5) Zn (28–38.5), P (3855.6–4501), and Na (343.5–950.5), and were significantly lower than in P0, but higher in K, Fe and Zn than for OG. Sodium/Potassium and Calcium/Phosphorous molar ratios of the complementary foods ranged from 0.16 to 0.92 and 0.07 to 0.16 and were lower than P0 (0.64, 0.19) and OG (1.71, 0.2), respectively. Total essential amino acids (g/100 g protein) of the food samples varied from 23.53 to 25.94, and were comparable to OG (28.40) and P0 (32.74). Predicted biological value and essential amino acid index of P2 sample (53.53%, 59.85%) had the highest values, while P1 (46.0%, 52.94%) had the lowest, and these values were comparatively lower than P0 (67.53%, 72.69%), OG (55.91%, 62.03%), and recommended value (> 70%). Functional properties varied from 0.61 to 0.83, 124.2 to 176.2, 102.2 to 257.19, 0 to 1 and 164.7 to 373.3 for bulk density, oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, least gelation and swelling capacity, respectively. Antioxidant activity of formulated complementary foods ranged from 2.07 to 3.24%, 8.61 to 9.87 mg/g, 21.6 to 40.95% and 62.42 to 87.0% for DPPH, FRAP, Fe-chelation and OH-free radicals, respectively, and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in OG and PO. Sample P1 was significantly (p < 0.05) rated highest in appearance, aroma, taste, texture and overall acceptability above P2 and P3. Conclusion The formulated complementary foods had enough nutrient and energy values to meet the requirements for infants as recommended for complementary foods and for amelioration of severe acute malnutrition in children. Nutritional and sensory evaluation revealed that addition of full fat milk to the P1 sample significantly improved its nutrient composition and organoleptic quality and contributed to its high acceptance compared to other formulations. Therefore, this complementary food is potentially suitable for use as complementary food and diet to manage severe acute malnutrition in Nigeria and other developing countries. However, there is a need for biological evaluation.