Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality of Different Infant Flours with Essential Micronutrients and Resilience to Infant Malnutrition

Abstract

Background: The human body needs essential micronutrients to function properly. Infants, who are constantly growing and developing, have significant nutritional needs. A balanced diet and protective nutrients will provide the elements necessary for their growth and harmonious development while protecting them from malnutrition. Aims: The study aimed to determine the profile of certain minerals and contaminants present, as well as the energy content of infant flours enriched with Parkia biglobosa and Ziziphus jujuba pulp in Guera. Methods: The flours were formulated from local products that had undergone various treatments and were enriched with local natural resources. The minerals contained in the different flours was used to determine by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and Aflatoxin levels were determined using the AOAC methods. Results: Twelve infant flour formulations were obtained. The results obtained show that the calcium content ranged from 341.03 to 341.20 mg/100g, the magnesium content ranged from 48.21 to 93.05 mg/100g, the iron content ranged from 8.40 to 23.71 mg/100g, zinc ranged from 2.91 to 8.71 mg/100g, potassium ranged from 407.85 to 475 mg/100g and sodium ranged from 201.15 to 237.67 mg/100g. The level of AFB1 ranged from 0 to 0.26 µg/kg, that of AFB2 from 0 to 0.21 µg/kg, that of AFG1 from 0 to 1.13 µg/kg, that of AFG2 from 0 to 1.03 µg/kg and that of AFT from 0.21 to 1.44 µg/kg. In general, the infant flours had a good mineral content and very low levels of toxic contaminants, below the recommended thresholds. The infant flours produced were therefore of good nutritional and health quality. Conclusion: The infant formulae had acceptable nutritional and health qualities, as well as an energy density better suited to their needs and more effective in preventing malnutrition in infants. However, sprouted flours were better in terms of minerals and would be more advantageous in terms of compensation.