ABSTRACT

The study evaluated the proximate compositions, vitamin and mineral content, antinutrients and functional properties including sensory evaluation of a complementary food made from sorghum (S), groundnut (GNF), crayfish (CRF) and paw-paw (PYF). The effect of the blends on lipid profile, blood glucose level, hematological, liver and kidney function parameters were also assessed by feeding the diets to 30 weanling wistar rats. The sorghum, groundnut, crayfish and pawpaw flours were blended in the ratio: 50:25:10:15(SGCPi), 60:20:10:10 (SGCP2), 60:15:15:10 (SGCP3), 60:10:20:10 (SGCP4), while plain-pap (TCF- Traditional complementary food) and cerelac (CCF- commercial complementary food) served as basal and control diets. The results indicated that crude protein, fibre, ash and carbohydrate of the formulated diets were either comparable or higher than values in cerelac but they were higher than values in the TCF. On the other hand the moisture contents of all the experimental diets and plain pap was significantly (P<0.05) higher while fat content was lower when compared with cerelac. It was observed that the formulated diets (SGCPi. SGCP4) were significantly (P>0.05) higher in vitamin A and vitamin Bj.(thiamin) content compared to cerelac. The Iron content of the formulated diets SGCPi. SGCP4 (4.23-6.36mg/100) were within the recommended iron intake of the infant (0.55mg/day). Phytate and oxalate contents ofthe formulated diets were found to be 2.55, 1.85, 1.65, 1.56 and 0.23,0.27,0.35,0.28mg/100g respectively and as such are well below their established permissible limits of 0-5%. Results on the functional properties showed the bulk density, swelling index, % dispersibility and water absorption capacity properties significantly (P<0.05) increased and was within comparable range with cerelac. The essential amino contents ofthe formulated complementary food were within the amino acid profile of the food and Agriculture organization / world health organization / united nations university (2002), reference protein for children 0.5 -1 and 1-2 years of age. Urea concentration of rats fed with SGCPi.SGCP4 (19.48mmol/L), (23.76mmol/L), (24.07mmol/L), (23.65mmol/L) respectively was significantly higher than that of rate fed cerelac (16.98mmol/L), however plain pap had the least value(9.15mmol/L) compared to other diets. Similarly, rats fed with SGCPi. SGCP4 (116mg/dl),(119mg/dl), (115mg/dl),(117mg/dl) respectively had significantly higher glucose levels compared to those fed with cerelac (108mg/dl). The liver function parameters (AST, ALP and ALT), lipid profile (triglyceride, HDL, LDL, VLDL) and hematology of rats fed with the formulated diets were comparable to those fed with cerelac and were within the normal range of each parameter. Rats fed with SGCPi (90.45) gained more weight than other rats fed with SGCP2. SGCP4 (71.65, 79.76,75.68) including TCF (20.13) and CCF (59.06). Sensory evaluation revealed that the colour, flavor, texture, taste and general acceptability ofthe formulated diets were only slightly less preferred than those of cerelac and plain pap. From all results, the formulated diets were acceptable and adequate in nutrients for weaning purposes. It is therefore recommended that infants fed frequently on these formulations to increase daily nutrient intake.