Evaluation of the Physicochemical Parameters and Nutrient of Milk Powder of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical characteristics of tigernut milk powder and its effects on the growth of pups fed on breast milk. To achieve this objective, the physicochemical parameters, macronutrient content, minerals, antioxidants and anti-nutritional factors of tigernut milk powder were determined. At the end of the experiment, it was found that the milk powder had a pH (5.63 ± 0.01), a titratable acidity content (0.04 ± 0.01%) and a moisture content (4.73 ± 0.29 %) favourable to its preservation. It contains macronutrients such as carbohydrates (59.78 ± 1.34 %), fiber (15.86 ± 0.80 %), total sugars (10.28 ± 0.08%), reducing sugars (4.21 ± 0.66%), protein (3.22 ± 0.04 %), fat (31.50 ± 0.11 %) and an energy value (535.55 ± 1.20 kcal). The milk powder had an ash content of 1.37 ± 0.19%, with high levels of calcium (119.33 ± 1.15 mg/100g), potassium (799.23 ± 1.98 mg/100g), sodium (102.11 ± 1.46 mg/100g), phosphorus (148.06 ± 0.62 mg/100g) and magnesium (94.44 ± 0.83 mg/100g). Certain therapeutic compounds were determined, such as antioxidant factors: polyphenols (3.87 ± 0.08 mg EAG/100g), tannins (0.88 ± 0.1 mg ETA/100g), flavonoids (0.05 ± 0.1 mg EQ/100g) and vitamin C (100 mg/100g) and anti-nutritional factors: oxalates (5.86 ± 1.03 mg) and phytates (34.66 ± 0.18 mg). These results enable us to assess the nutritional quality of milk powder from tigernut.