Nutrient Composition of Formulated Infant Complementary Foods and Their Effects on Growth Velocity and Micronutrient Status of Weanling Wistar Rats

Abstract

Ngozi Mercy Nnam, Ifeoma Uzoamaka Onoja and Peace Nwanneka Ani

The study evaluated the nutritional composition of infant complementary foods formulated from locally available foods (maize, soybean, carrot, fluted pumpkin leaf, and pawpaw). The study adopted an experimental design. The food samples were purchased from New Market in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. The fruits and vegetables were freeze-dried and processed into flour while maize and soybean were processed into flour using conventional processing methods. Composite flours were developed in varying proportions (nine diets) based on thirteen-gram (13g) protein requirement per day and analyzed for proximate, vitamin, and mineral composition using standard analytical methods. A 28-day feeding trial involving male weanling albino rats were used to assess nutritional quality. The rats were randomly distributed into nine (9) groups of six (6) rats each based on body weight. The nine different groups of rats were fed the flours of the formulated diets ad libitum. At the end of the feeding trial their growth performance, serum micronutrient status, and hematological indices were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 27 and presented as means and standard deviations. Paired sample T-test was used to compare the means. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The protein (22.56% - 26%), fat (12.93 - 13.96 %), ash (4.42-5.71%) and crude fiber (4.57 - 5.61%) contents of the complementary foods were higher than that of the control (Cerelac – 15%, 10%, 3%, 4.50% respectively). There were significant improvements (p < 0.05) in growth performance and micronutrient status following dietary intervention. Complementary foods formulated from locally available cereals, legumes, fruits, and vegetables significantly enhanced biological outcomes.

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