Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Children Fed Optimized Cereal-legume Blend supplemented with Moringa leaf Powder

Childhood malnutrition is still a serious public health problem in Nigeria. This may be attributed to poor infant and young child feeding practices. In a bid to address this challenge, the current study was initiated to produce optimal complementary foods (CF). Six composite blends designated F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 were formulated from yellow maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), soyabeans (Glycine max), and Moringa oleifera. Nutrisurvey was used to calculate the proportion of ingredients in the composite blends to meet nutritional specification in codex guideline. Nutritional composition, functional and consumer acceptance analyses were conducted, as well as feeding trials in moderately malnourished children for eight weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical and selected haematological parameters of the children were used to assess the performance of the CF formulations. Results of proximate analysis indicated that moisture content; crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate were within the codex guidelines. The amino acid profile indicated that all essential amino acids were present in acceptable quantity. The functional properties revealed that bulk density ranged from 0.63-0.81, water absorption capacity 86-90%, swelling index 0.33-1.34, reconstitution index 2.20-3.20, and pH 6.52-6.69. The sensory evaluations suggest that the CF formulations were well accepted by the participants. The feeding trial indicated growth and recovery in the children at Endline. The current study therefore, revealed that with proper blending of local foodstuff, it is possible to prepare acceptable and nutritionally adequate CF.