Use of Pearl Millet in Complementary Infant Formula

Abstract

A complementary food was developed from pearl millet, dawadawa, herring, tomatoes and onion to help reduce the menace of malnutrition and anemia deficiencies among infants. Experimental research design was used for the study. Fifty-five infants of ages 6- 24 months were purposively sampled, together with their mothers, to evaluate 3 complementary food samples code named Apolala Diet Blend, Pearl Apolala Diet Blend and Apolala Pearl Diet Blend and a control Control. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The samples were formulated from Pearl millet, dawadawa, herring, tomatoes and onion. The nutrients and functional properties determined. The results showed that the 3 complementary foods were nutrient dense with high protein content highest in Apolala Pearl Diet Blend and the least in Pearl Apolala Diet Blend. Although Pearl Apolala Diet Blend had the least in protein content, it turned out to have the highest ash content. Apolala Diet Blend, Pearl Apolala Diet Blend and Apolala Pearl Diet Blend were all high in carbohydrates and fibre but lower in moisture and fats, Apolala Diet Blend had the highest B-carotene content. Pearl Apolala Diet Blend had the highest bulk density and least B- carotene. The water absorption capacity was higher in Apolala Pearl Diet Blend, giving it a high Swelling Power whiles Apolala Diet Blend had the least water absorption capacity. Apolala Diet Blend recorded the highest Solubility index Pearl Apolala Diet Blend on the other hand had low Swelling Power. Control was the most accepted, followed by PADB, APDB and ADB although it was not significantly different from these 3. Comments received from the evaluation by panellists showed that probably making the texture smooth and improving the colour would make all the 3 products liked as the ontrol.