Abstract
This study aimed at incorporating Spirulina in the development of high protein nutrition bars, since protein related malnutrition amongst children is highly prevalent and needs to be addressed diligently. Spirulina, a multicellular filamentous cyanobacteria, has gained popularity as a food supplement for its high macronutrient and micronutrient contents and ease of processing. Spirulina plantensis along with Bengal gram(Cicer arietinum), groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), Cornflakes (Zea mays), and other ingredients was used to make 7 variants of a novel nutrition bar and control sample (without Spirulina).The bars were evaluated for nutritional quality (proximate analysis, antioxidant ability, total phenolic content), textural parameters, colour attributes, and sensory characteristics. The protein content of the bar was found to be 167% more than the control sample. The antioxidant potential and total phenolic content of bars containing Spirulina were substantially higher than the control sample. The textural characteristics displayed by certain variants of the bar did not significantly differ (p>0.05) from the control sample, while the colour of the bar did. The Spirulina enriched bar gained acceptability in terms of sensory attributes, hence was concluded to be a potential product for undernourished children with protein deficiency.
Highlights
According to UNICEF 2016 data, 22.9% of the children worldwide under the age of five had stunted growth
The aim of this study was to make high protein nutrition bars enriched with Spirulina biomass for the sake of undernourished children
Nutritional Composition of Bar In the present study, there was a sharp increase in the protein content of the product with the incorporation of Spirulina
Summary
According to UNICEF 2016 data, 22.9% of the children worldwide under the age of five had stunted growth. Consumption of Spirulina has potential health effects such as immunomodulation, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial activities, as well as positive effects against malnutrition, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory allergic reactions, heavy metal / chemical-induced toxicity, radiation damage, and anaemia.[4,5,3,6] Both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that the Spirulina as a supplement is mostly a pro-inflammatory agent It enhances antioxidant activity and promotes the production of antibody and cytokines in both healthy and diseased animal models.[5]. The aim of this study was to make high protein nutrition bars enriched with Spirulina biomass for the sake of undernourished children. The Spirulina enriched nutrition bar is highly cost-effective, possesses industrial relevance along with ease of manufacturing, and has the potential for addressing the dire issues of undernourishment among children
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