Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and under nutrition are major public health concerns in developing countries. Diets with high vitamin A and animal protein can help reduce the problem of VAD and under nutrition respectively. In this study, composite flours were developed from orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), amaranth leaves and skimmed milk powders; 78:2:20, 72.5:2.5:25, 65:5:30 and 55:10:35. The physico-chemical characteristics of the composite flours were determined using standard methods while sensory acceptability of porridges was rated on a nine-point hedonic scale using a trained panel. Results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (12.1 to 19.9%), iron (4.8 to 97.4 mg/100 g) and calcium (45.5 to 670.2 mg/100 g) contents of the OFSP-based composite flours. The vitamin A content of composite flours contributed from 32% to 442% of the recommended dietary allowance of children aged 6–59 months. The composite flours showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in solubility, swelling power and scores of porridge attributes with increase in substitution levels of skimmed milk and amaranth leaf powder. The study findings indicate that the OFSP-based composite flours have the potential to make a significant contribution to the improvement in the nutrition status of children aged 6–59 months in developing countries.
Highlights
Under nutrition affects millions of people globally, especially in developing countries [1].The cause of under nutrition is mainly an inadequate nutrient intake or absorption to cover needs for energy, growth and to maintain a healthy immune body system
The moisture content of orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and OFSP-based composite flours was slightly higher than the moisture content (
The low moisture content of the OFSP and OFSP-based composite flours is attributed to proper drying and handling
Summary
Under nutrition affects millions of people globally, especially in developing countries [1].The cause of under nutrition is mainly an inadequate nutrient intake or absorption to cover needs for energy, growth and to maintain a healthy immune body system. Micronutrient deficiencies are a form of undernutrition and occur when the body lacks one or more micronutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A or folate. These deficiencies usually affect growth and immunity but some cause specific clinical conditions such as anaemia (iron deficiency), hypothyroidism (iodine deficiency) or xerophthalmia (vitamin A deficiency). The persistent high levels of macro and micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries are attributed to the dependence on plant based foods and lack of nutrient diversity [4]. Plant based foods are relatively cheaper and can be afforded by most households in developing countries They have a relatively lower protein quality and limited nutrient bioavailability. Inadequate intake of quality protein and micronutrients such as iron and vitamin A [2]
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