Abstract
Malnutrition is a major health problem for children in developing countries. This study examines the use of fonio and soya bean flours as locally and readily available raw materials for production and formulation of weaning foods. Weaning food was produced from fonio and soya bean flour in varying proportions. Four blends A, B, C and D were formulated respectively. Proximate, vitamin and mineral contents were determined using standard methods. The chemical compositions of the formulations were as follows, for samples A, B, C and D respectively. Moisture contents = 3.20%, 3.00%, 2.50% and 2.00%. Ash contents = 3.30%, 3.20%, 3.00% and 2.80%. Protein = 29.00%, 25.00%, 20.00% and 17.50%. Fibre contents = 3.50%, 3.30%, 3.00% and 2.70%. Fat contents = 11.00%, 10.00%, 10.00% and 8.00%. Carbohydrate contents = 50.00%, 55.50%, 61.50% and 67.00%. Energy contents (Kcal/100g) = 415.00, 412.00, 416.00 and 410.00 Kcal/100grespectively. The mineral content of the formulated weaning food were determined which confirmed the presence of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, iron and phosphorus. Vitamin A, B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>2</sub> and C were also determined. These values fall within the Food and Agriculture Organization (1966) recommended values of food for infants. The complementary diet prepared from fonio and soya bean flour was also compared with Cerelac and Nutrend a commercial weaning food. Sample C was compared favourably with those of the commercial weaning foods. It is also complied with infant food specification established by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) which had agreeable appearance, light yellow colour, good flavour and taste and readily dispersed in hot water. Sample C is recommended as the best formulated weaning foods which can therefore used as alternatives to the weaning foods in the Nigerian market as well as other countries in the world to improve nutritional status of children and also help to curb protein–energy malnutrition.
Highlights
Baby foods are those items that provide the nutrients needed by infants for their body nourishment
This study showed that formulation of weaning food from fonio/acha and soya beans can be produced
Analysis carried out showed that the fortified fonio flour is rich in protein, fat and energy
Summary
Baby foods are those items that provide the nutrients needed by infants for their body nourishment. Breast milk from well nourished mother is adequate to meet the nutritional needs of the infant for the first six months of life [3]. Some other grains are millet, cowpeas and guinea corn (sorghum) All these grains do not meet the nutrient requirement of weaning babies as they are rich only in carbohydrate. Cereal is high in carbohydrate and fibre, low in fat void of essential proteins and vitamins that the body needs. For this reason, it is necessary to produce an instant fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) and soya beans (Glycine max) which would provide a better balanced nutritional value
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