Development of Nutrient-Rich Complementary Food from Sweet Potatoes, Carrots and Crayfish for Combating Infant Malnutrition in Low-income Communities
Deniran Igbagboyemi Adesola
Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Adelaja Olusumbo Adeolu
Institute of Agribusiness Management Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Quadri Jelili Akorede *
Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Akinremi Tobi Isreal
Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Alabe Iyanu Caleb
Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Oguniyi Temilola Deborah
Department of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Atoyebi Kunle Segun
Department of Data Science, University of East London, Docklands, United Kingdom.
Edun Bilikisu Tunrayo
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ogun State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
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.
Keywords: Micronutrients, sensory properties, homemade, complementary food