Formulation and Evaluation of Home-Made Weaning Mixes Based on Local Foods

Abstract

One way to prevent protein-energy malnutrition is to provide nutritious weaning foods to infants. In India, several commercial mixes are available, but they are often too expensive for persons of low socio-economic status. To find a more affordable product, four weaning mixes were formulated using local foods and traditional processing techniques. They were evaluated for acceptability by a sample target population of mothers and infants, and for protein, iron, and energy content using established laboratory methods. All the mixes were inexpensive and nutritious, and remained acceptable even after being stored for one month.