Complementary Foods Research Articles

The Impact of Fermentation on Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Sorghum Kernels and Flour Used to Prepare Complementary Food in Kerio Valley, Kenya

ABSTRACTSorghum is a major ingredient used in the production of complementary foods in Kenya's drylands, particularly in areas like Kerio Valley. However, it is known to be susceptible to aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination, which have adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to assess the levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in sorghum kernels and flour from Kerio Valley and to investigate whether fermentation (spontaneous or innoculum facilated) could reduce the levels of toxins. The sorghum samples were obtained through a cross‐sectional survey and subjected to ELISA analysis for quantification of aflatoxin and fumonisin levels. The aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 to 119.91 ppb for sorghum kernels and from 2.70 to 89.36 ppb in the flour, while fumonisin concentrations ranged from 0 to 30.65 ppm in sorghum kernels and 0.22 to 27.27 ppm in the flour. Fermentation significantly reduced the levels of the toxins in sorghum samples (p ≤ 0.05). The type of fermentation (p = 0.001), sample fermented (kernels or flour) (p = 0.004), and duration of fermentation (p = 0.037) significantly impacted the reduction of both toxins. Therefore, there is a need to integrate the adoption of fermentation with other effective postharvest practices to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in sorghum and other cereal‐based foods. In addition to the customary health and nutrition messages, promoting proper food handling, storage, and processing can significantly contribute to improving food safety and the overall health and nutritional status of young children.

The mechanical and sensory signature of plant-based and animal meat.

Eating less meat is associated with a healthier body and planet. Yet, we remain reluctant to switch to a plant-based diet, largely due to the sensory experience of plant-based meat. Food scientists characterize meat using a double compression test, which only probes one-dimensional behavior. Here we use tension, compression, and shear tests-combined with constitutive neural networks-to automatically discover the behavior of eight plant-based and animal meats across the entire three-dimensional spectrum. We find that plant-based sausage and hotdog, with stiffnesses of 95.9 ± 14.1 kPa and 38.7 ± 3.0 kPa, successfully mimic their animal counterparts, with 63.5 ± 45.7 kPa and 44.3 ± 13.2 kPa, while tofurky is twice as stiff, and tofu is twice as soft. Strikingly, a complementary food tasting survey produces in nearly identical stiffness rankings for all eight products (ρ = 0.833, p = 0.015). Probing the fully three-dimensional signature of meats is critical to understand subtle differences in texture that may result in a different perception of taste. Our data and code are freely available at https://github.com/LivingMatterLab/CANN.

Correlations between Sociodemographic Status, Attitude, Cultural Belief, and Family Support towards Complementary Feeding Practices

Introduction: Proper nutrition is crucial during the first two years of life, as this period is a "critical window" for promoting optimal growth, health, and behavioral development. Complementary feeding refers to the introduction of additional foods and liquids when breast milk alone no longer meets an infant's nutritional needs. Providing adequate and appropriate complementary foods, along with proper feeding practices, can help prevent stunting and promote healthy eating habits. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors correlated with complementary feeding practices (i.e., MDD, MMF, MAD, and SSSFs) among children aged 6–23 months in Surakarta City. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 110 mothers with children aged 6-23 months. Data were collected through questionnaires interviewed directly to the respondents. The variables in this study included the child’s age, the mother’s age, parity, maternal education level, maternal employment status, attitude, cultural beliefs, and family support. Complementary feeding practices were assessed using the composite indicators such as MDD, MMF, MAD, SSSFs as recommended by the WHO. Result: This study identified that child's age (0.012 (OR: 3.71, CI: 1.28-10.75)), mother's age (0.001 (OR: 9.35, CI: 2.06-42.37)), parity (0.003 (OR: 4.16, CI: 1.54-11.21)), mother's education (0.018 (OR: 3.06, CI: 1.18-7.90)), attitude (0.028 (OR: 4.93, CI: 1.05-23.0)), cultural belief (0.000 (OR: 9.00, CI: 2.52-32.0)), and family support (0.000 (OR: 5.39, CI: 2.17-13.35)) were determinant factors of complementary feeding practice. There was no statistically significant correlation between the mother’s employment status and complementary feeding practices. Conclusion: It is essential to educate mothers on the correct timing and process of transitioning to complementary feeding. Nutrition education should aim to enhance and correct knowledge and beliefs about these practices. Mothers should receive practical guidance on making informed decisions, considering factors such as affordability, availability, access, and the preparation of nutrient-dense foods

Regulation of household food needs: Affirmation of socio-cultural resilience in preventing stunting incidents in coastal areas

The problem of stunting is not only related to children’s short height, but also has an impact on high morbidity rates, due to long-term nutritional deficiencies. which hinders motor and mental development in children. The objectives of this research are: 1) to understand household food security, 2) to understand the eating habits of pregnant women and toddlers regarding existing belief systems and traditions, and 3) to understand resilience mechanisms in overcoming food emergencies to prevent stunting. The data collection process uses a mixed methods approach by combining qualitative and quantitative research. The research results show that the determining factor for the incidence of stunting in coastal areas of Indonesia is the lack of household food availability due to subsistence economic life which then has an impact on eating behavior in the household, namely the lack of quality and quantity of the types of food consumed. daily. Apart from that, there is still a lack of understanding by pregnant women regarding the importance of providing complementary breast milk food to toddlers, low literacy of food diversity among toddlers, and low public trust in the importance of immunization. Furthermore, the high rate of early marriage in society and the limited awareness of using clean water is caused by a philosophy that still considers rivers as a source of life, so the water is used for consumption. Apart from that, socio-cultural mechanisms as a strategy to resolve the problem of food shortages have not yet been implemented.

Development and characterization of complementary and snack foods from composite flours of roots, tubers and biofortified beans for improved nutrition in Malawi

Development and characterization of complementary and snack foods from composite flours of roots, tubers and biofortified beans for improved nutrition in Malawi

Effect of nutrition on the nutritional status in preterm infants with very low birth weight

Introduction. Postnatal growth retardation in premature infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) remains an unresolved problem. There are different approaches regarding the duration of use of breast milk fortifiers during breastfeeding and specialized formulas during formula feeding, as well as the timing of the appointment of complementary feeding. Objective: to evaluate the physical development and component body composition in VLBW infants, depending on nutritional support over the first year of life. Materials and methods. The study included ninety three VLBW premature infants of 2 to 11 months postnatal age (PNA). The main (1st) group included infants (n = 74) who received dietary correction depending on the nutritional status, while no such intervention was performed in the (2nd) comparison group (n = 19). Up to 64 weeks of postconceptional age (PCA), weight, body length, and head circumference were assessed using INTERGROWTH-21st international growth standards, then in the software “WHO Anthro (2009)”. Fat and fat-free (lean) mass were determined using the air plethysmography method (PEA POD, LMi, USA). Results. The analysis of the nutritional status revealed a moderate deviation, not exceeding 1 sigma, decrease in indices (Z-scores) of anthropometric indices in infants of the 1st and 2nd groups by PNA of 2–3 months. Further in infants of the 1st group on the background of prolonged use of fortified nutrition (breast milk fortifier or specialized formulas for preterm infants) and timely introduction of complementary foods, nutritional deficiencies throughout the first year of life in general were not revealed. In the 2nd group of infants without additional correction of nutrition by 4–5 months of age, the development of mild nutritional deficiency was noted by 6–7 months of age. By 6–7 months of age, it turned into moderate nutritional deficiency, which persisted until 8–9 months of age and then turned into mild nutritional deficiency. Analysis of the component body composition showed that during the observation period, the fat-free body mass (FFM) gain in infants in the 1st group was 3.40 kg, in Group 2 infants — 2.2 kg. At the same time, % body fat mass (FM) in infants in groups 1 and 2 had no significant differences (%FM 1 = 19.3 [15.3–22.5], %FM 2 = 19.9 [16.7–24.6], p = 0.769) and did not exceed the values characteristic of preterm infants. Conclusion. A comprehensive assessment of the nutritional status of VLBW infants during the first year of life allowed us to eva­luate the positive impact of long-term use of fortified diets and timely introduction of certain complementary foods. Optimization of nutrition made it possible to prevent the development of nutritional deficiency, which can have a significant positive impact on their further growth, development, and health status.

Accelerating Stunting Reduction by Empowering Posyandu Cadres and Village Officials in Monitoring Nutritional Status and Providing Additional Food to Pregnant Women

The low nutritional status of pregnant mother during pregnancy can result various adverse effects for mother and baby. Poor nutritional status in toddlers possible happen problems/delays development. In Dairi Regency has 189 toddlers (0.2 %) living in Bottom of the Line Red (BGM). Prevalence stunted toddlers in Dairi Regency in 2018 amounted to 23.3 %. That's why it's done empowerment cadres and village officials to monitor nutritional status and giving complementary food for pregnant mother and toddler to prevent stunting. Through increasing the knowledge and skills of cadres and village officials for achievement reducing the incidence of stunting in improving the nutritional status of pregnant women and toddlers can be done with nutritional surveillance by monitoring activities: recovery food complementary, administration of vitamin A, TTD, taburia, zinc, stimulation. This activity was attended by pregnant women, mothers of toddlers, cadres and village officials who were very enthusiastic about listening to the presentation by the service team about what is meant by stunting, its causes, treatment, and the role of cadres and village officials regarding the stunting problem. Discussions and questions and answers were also very interactive, showing the great attention paid to service activities. Apart from that, this service activity also provides complementary food to pregnant women and toddlers. Based on this, community service activities empowering the role of cadres and village officials to monitor nutritional status of pregnant mother and toddler for prevent stunting can increase knowledge and skills of partner in give knowledge and skills to pregnant and toddler for increase their nutritional status. It is hoped that this service activity can reduce the prevalence of stunting and other malnutrition problems.

Understanding the longitudinal trends (2005-2018) and multilevel risk factors of complementary feeding in Guinea.

This study aimed to define complementary feeding trends in Guinea from 2005 to 2018 and complementary feeding risk factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Data from 2005 to 2018 demographic health surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys were used to describe complementary feeding trends in Guinea. The most recent DHS was used to examine complementary feeding risk factors at the individual, household, and community levels. Complementary feeding indicators including introduction to complementary foods (INTRO), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were calculated based on the 2010 World Health Organisation guidance. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify significant risk factors (p < 0.05). Since 2005, there has been a marginal increase in MDD and MAD, but a decrease in INTRO and MMF. The 2018 DHS survey revealed various complementary feeding risk factors. At the individual level, travelling 1-60 min to get water was associated with decreased odds of meeting INTRO, while iron supplementation and maternal education were associated with increased odds of meeting MMF and MDD, respectively. Routine vitamin A supplementation, fever in the past 2 weeks, and low birth weight were associated with increased odds of meeting MAD. At the household level, being in a lower wealth quintile was associated with decreased odds of meeting MDD and MAD. National and subnational programmes and policies designed to improve infant and young child diets may consider tailored approaches that address the specific indicators and risk factors associated with poorer diets in this Guinean context.

Assessing the Compliance of Complementary Food Labeling Practices in Niger with International Guidelines

Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are among the specific interventions implemented during the first 1,000 days to prevent malnutrition. They include exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or more, and appropriate complementary feeding practices between 6 and 36 months. However, inappropriate labeling practices for complementary foods intended for children under 2 years of age could impact on parents' or guardians' choices. The aim of this study was to assess the conformity of labelling practices for complementary foods marketed in Niger. A survey was carried out at various sales outlets to identify all types of complementary foods sold in Niamey. The European nutrient profile model developed by WHO in 2019 was used to assess the compliance of the complementary foods surveyed with the model's requirements in terms of labeling practices. A total of 20 outlets selling complementary foods, corresponding to 85 complementary foods, were selected after elimination of repetitions. In terms of nutritional composition, 12.9% of imported supplements met this requirement. No local supplements complied, compared with 25% of supplements imported from Nigeria. Compliance is 100% for the requirement for legibility of the label and clarity of the product name, and 89.4% for the presentation of a clear list of ingredients on the label. The label is the interface between customers and products. It must be presentable and provide all the product information needed to guide the customer's choice. Our results will guide the government in creating national guideline for infant foods.

Canned complementary porridges for infants and young children (6-23 months) based on African indigenous crops; nutritional content, consistency, sensory, and affordability compared to traditional porridges based on maize and finger millet.

Child malnutrition is a major health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Complementary foods made from African indigenous and locally available raw materials are often low in protein and nutrients. It is, therefore, important to supply complementary foods that are nutritious and affordable, and with an acceptable consistency and taste. The objective of this study was to develop, on a pilot scale, food-to-food fortified, convenient, canned complementary porridges based on blends of African indigenous crops, i.e., orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flour, and leguminous (i.e., cowpea, and Bambara groundnut) and cereal flours (i.e., teff, finger millet, maize, and amaranth), and milk powder. Plant-based, African complementary foods are often lacking in vitamin A, zinc, iron, and energy. Porridge with OFSP on a 32% dry weight (dw) basis achieved recommended levels of vitamin A (530 µg per 100 g dw). Satisfactory energy (431 Kcal per 100 g dw) was obtained by supplementation of vegetable oil. A nutritious, low-cost porridge (costing 0.15 € per 100 g can) that fulfills consistency constraints was obtained by including supplements of zinc and iron salts as ingredients. The solids content and thus protein/energy could be significantly increased using protein fractionated or germinated cowpea flours without compromising on viscosity. The sensory profile was characterised by more intense vegetable, leguminous, and malty flavours as compared to traditional reference porridges.

Effect of Processing Methods on Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Composition of Parkia biglobosa Seeds

Parkia biglobosa (PB) is among the various underexploited nutritious plants. A comparative study was conducted on the effect processing PB has on the amino and fatty acid composition. Fermented (FPB), defatted (DPB), and protein isolates (PI) samples were prepared from Parkia biglobosa seeds using various processing methods, and evaluated using standard analytical protocols. The PI showed the highest significant total non-essential amino acids, essential amino acids, and conditionally essential amino acids when compared with FPB and DPB. In addition, the PI showed the highest significant (p &lt; 0.05) total neutral amino acids, basic amino acids, total aromatic amino acids, and the lowest percentage cystine ratio of total sulphur amino acids and total amino acids in comparison with FPB and DPB. The PI also showed a better-predicted protein efficient ratio, essential amino acid index, biological value, protein content, and nutritional index than FPB and DPB. Furthermore, PI amino acid composition was compared favourably with the reference scores for a whole hen’s egg, preschool child, and provisional scoring pattern. Arginine and histidine values of PI were higher than the recommended values. The FPB (42.29%) showed the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the DPB (41.94%) and PI (26.7%). The dominant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were stearic acid (15.1 DPB), linoleic acid (42.29 DPB), and oleic acid (14.05 PI). The DPB (1.84) showed a better polyunsaturated to saturated (P:S) ratio than FPB (1.74) and PI (0.91). The results revealed that the processing methods improved the relative amino acid composition, whereas the fatty acid composition improved in DPB. Therefore, PI could serve as an alternative in the formulation of complementary foods.

Acceptability of microbiota-directed complementary foods in treating Indian children with moderate acute malnutrition – eACT-MAM pre-proof of concept study

Acceptability of microbiota-directed complementary foods in treating Indian children with moderate acute malnutrition – eACT-MAM pre-proof of concept study

Complementary food hygiene practice and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6–23 months in Dessie Zuria, South Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2023

BackgroundImplementing appropriate complementary food hygiene practices is essential to lower the incidence of food-borne disease and malnutrition in children. However, this aspect is often overlooked in resource-limited settings, and information regarding these practices is not fully available and is not assessed enough. Therefore, this study aimed to assess complementary food hygiene practices and their associated factors in Dessie Zuria, South Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 17 April to 18 May 2023, among 366 mothers with children aged 6–23 months. Dessie Zuria was purposively selected, and a systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires. Finally, the data were entered using EPI-info and then exported to SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with complementary feeding hygiene practices. Both crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence level (CI) were computed, and a p-value of &amp;lt;0.05, in the final model, was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe proportion of households practicing complementary food hygiene was 22.22%. Factors associated with these practices included access to media such as television or radio (AOR = 10.51, 95% CI: 2.8, 39.28), starting complementary feeding before 6 months (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.84), and the child’s age being 6 to 11 months (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.7).ConclusionThe prevalence of complementary food hygiene practices was poor. Healthcare professionals should promote starting breastfeeding at the age of 6 months. In addition, media companies ought to make an effort to create a positive social and cultural environment that encourages complementary feeding practices for young children.

Lactation Massage and Hypnobreastfeeding Relaxation Techniques in Breastfeeding Mothers

Breast milk is a kind of food that is good for meeting all the physical needs of babies. Breast milk contains most of the nutritional elements, hormones and immunity of a baby. After that the baby will only get breast milk until the baby is six months old, after the baby is six months old the baby will be given complementary food for breast milk until the baby is even two years old. Purpose: this research is to find out the description of nursing care for normal postpartum mothers who experience ineffective breastfeeding at Koja Jakarta Hospital in 2023 with lactation massage and hypnobreastfeeding relaxation techniques. Methodology: the research used is a descriptive researcher with a case study design that will be carried out in June 2023. Results: a study of patients who experienced ineffective breastfeeding by means of lactation massage and hypnobreastfeeding relaxation techniques, could increase milk production, reduce breast swelling and reduce pain. This can happen because of the willingness of the client to follow. Conclusion: lactation massage techniques and hypnobreastfeeding relaxation techniques can be done when complaints of a little milk coming out, anxiety, swelling in the breasts of post partum mothers are normal.

Mothers’ perception of husband support during breastfeeding: A qualitative study in Indonesia

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted maternal and perinatal healthcare worldwide, including in Indonesia. Restrictions on access to health services have forced mothers to adapt to new challenges in breastfeeding during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate mothers’ breastfeeding experiences and the role of husbands in providing support during this period. This qualitative research used a phenomenological approach. Data were collected from August to October 2022 through a focus group discussion (FGD). Participants were selected using maximum variation sampling, with eight mothers participating in the FGD. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, revealing four main themes: (1) not all husbands fully supported mothers’ efforts to provide exclusive breastfeeding; (2) supportive and inhibiting factors help to provide exclusive breastfeeding; (3) mothers understood the benefits and identified the causes of failure in providing exclusive breastfeeding and complementary food for breast milk; and (4) various stressors experienced by mothers did not impede breastfeeding efforts. In conclusion, the findings highlight the need for healthcare workers, especially maternity nurses, to encourage continued breastfeeding and emphasize the importance of husbands’ support in providing exclusive breastfeeding initiatives. Interventions should be designed to actively involve husbands in supporting exclusive breastfeeding practices.

Gastrointestinal and respiratory morbidity when introducing eggs as complementary food: a randomised controlled trial in South African infants

We investigated the incidence and duration of morbidity symptoms among infants aged 6 to 9 months from a low socioeconomic community receiving one egg daily for 6 months. This was a secondary outcome of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 500 infants conducted in Jouberton, South Africa. The primary outcome was linear growth. Morbidity data were collected weekly using a symptoms diary and qualitative data with focus group discussions at the endpoint. Ethical approval was obtained from the North-West University Health Research Ethics Committee. The intervention group had a ~ 5% higher incidence of gastrointestinal morbidity (17.0%) compared to the control group (11.9%). Gastrointestinal morbidity without fever tended to be 1.4 times higher in the intervention group (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.93; P = 0.058) and tended to be 4 times higher with fever (OR: 4.07, 95% CI: 0.86, 19.23; P = 0.077). The duration of total gastrointestinal and respiratory morbidity was 1.5 days longer in the intervention group (β: 1.491; 95% CI 0.064, 2.918; P = 0.041). Complementary feeding with eggs may have contributed towards an increased risk for gastrointestinal morbidity.

Trajectory of Obesity and the Impact of Eating Behaviors on Obesity in Preschool Children: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea

Background: Early childhood obesity is highly associated with obesity in adolescents and adults. However, studies on specific eating behaviors that have a decisive effect on obesity in early childhood (aged 3–5 years) are scarce. We hypothesized that critical risk factors associated with eating behaviors leading to obesity at ages of 3–5 years may be different. To confirm this hypothesis, we conducted a study on the risk factors of obesity related to eating behaviors in preschool children. Methods: Using the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children (NHSPIC) in Korea’s general population cohort, we found the obesity trends in 3–5-year-olds. The risk factors of obesity in 3–5-year-olds were analyzed through logistic regression. Results: Among children with obesity at 3 years old, but without obesity at 4 years old, only 10.1% (107/1063) transitioned to obesity at 5 years old, whereas among children with obesity at 3–4 years old, 62.7% (398/635) transitioned to obesity at 5 years old. The risk factors for obesity at 3 years old were inclusion of meat in complementary food, prolonged breastfeeding, and consumption of sweetened beverages; at ages 4–5 years, the risk factors were the inclusion of meat in complementary food and consumption of sweetened beverages. Conclusions: Obesity at 4 years is more likely to lead to obesity in the following year than obesity at 3 years. The dietary factor with the greatest impact on obesity in children aged 3–5 years has been found to be consumption of sweetened beverages.

A human gut Faecalibacterium prausnitzii fatty acid amide hydrolase.

Undernutrition in Bangladeshi children is associated with disruption of postnatal gut microbiota assembly; compared with standard therapy, a microbiota-directed complementary food (MDCF) substantially improved their ponderal and linear growth. Here, we characterize a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) from a growth-associated intestinal strain of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii cultured from these children. This enzyme, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, hydrolyzes a variety of N-acylamides, including oleoylethanolamide (OEA), neurotransmitters, and quorum sensing N-acyl homoserine lactones; it also synthesizes a range of N-acylamides, notably N-acyl amino acids. Treating germ-free mice with N-oleoylarginine and N-oleolyhistidine, major products of FAAH OEA metabolism, markedly affected expression of intestinal immune function pathways. Administering MDCF to Bangladeshi children considerably reduced fecal OEA, a satiety factor whose levels were negatively correlated with abundance and expression of their F. prausnitzii FAAH. This enzyme, structurally and catalytically distinct from mammalian FAAH, is positioned to regulate levels of a variety of bioactive molecules.

Complementary feeding practices and nutritional status in infants living in Turkey: Iowa infant feeding attitude scale and complementary feeding index.

Although complementary feeding (CF) and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding are known to affect the nutritional status of infants during the neonatal period, studies in this field remain limited. The present study aimed to determine CF practices for infants aged 6-12 months who live in Turkey and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding. In addition, the effects of CF practices and maternal attitudes on the nutritional status of infants were examined. This study included 720 infants, of whom 289 were aged 6-8 months and 431 were aged 9-12 months. CF status was assessed using the CF index (CFI), and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding were measured using the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale (IIFAS). The weight and length measurements of infants were categorized using z-scores. Infants with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) of less than -2 standard deviation were categorized as malnourished. Mothers of malnourished infants were found to have lower CFI and IIFAS scores (p < 0.05). Consistency of fruit feeding and complementary foods in the first 3 days of CF was associated with WAZ. The mothers' level of knowledge about CF and appropriate CF practices significantly affects the nutritional status of infants. The tools used in the present study to monitor CF practices should be incorporated into public health programmes.

Development of Nutrient-Rich Complementary Food from Sweet Potatoes, Carrots and Crayfish for Combating Infant Malnutrition in Low-income Communities

This study aimed to enhance traditional cereal-based complementary foods in Nigeria by developing and evaluating a nutrient-dense blend of sweet potato, carrot, and crayfish. The objective was to address protein-energy malnutrition in low-resource settings by improving the nutritional profile of local complementary foods. Samples were analyzed in triplicate for proximate composition and selected micronutrients using AOAC standard techniques. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 5-point hedonic scale with a panel of ten nursing mothers from the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Lead City University. Results showed that the blend contained 14.74±0.32% crude protein, 72.19±0.51% carbohydrates, and 0.97±0.02% fat. Micronutrient analysis revealed high levels of vitamin C (19.06±0.70 mg/100ml) and phosphorus (497.33±3.37 mg/100ml). Sensory evaluation indicated that the product was well-accepted, with mean scores of 4.2±0.6 for taste (slightly sweet), 4.0±0.7 for color (light brown), and 3.8±0.8 for flavor (mildly fishy). This novel blend significantly improves upon traditional cereal-based complementary foods by providing a more balanced nutrient profile that meets WHO/FAO recommendations. It offers a practical, locally-sourced solution to enhance infant nutrition in low-resource settings, potentially reducing the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition. Further studies on its long-term effects on child growth and development are recommended.