NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF MASO31 RECIPE AND COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING ACCORDING TO THE WHO RECOMMENDATIONS IN KATANGA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Inappropriate complementary feeding is among the main causes of malnutrition worldwide. However, optimal complementary feeding is an effective child survival strategy ranked among the top life-saving interventions for children under 5 years. WHO and UNICEF underline the use of available food locally produced for children less than 2 years as a significant strategy to ensure the optimal complementary feeding. Maize-Soy blend in 3/1 proportion (MASO31) is consumed as complementary food in Katanga. Nevertheless, its nutritional value isn’t known nor its adequacy as additional food. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of MASO31 content according to the WHO recommendations on complementary feeding. Two samples of MASO31 formulas were taken of two different preparations, for biochemical analysis nutrients data (energy, protein, Fe, Ca, P, Zn) in the Research and Agro Alimentary Analysis Center (CRAA) of Lubumbashi. The biochemical methods used were specific to analyze each nutrient data in MASO31 such as conversion factors and KJELDHAL. Comparative analysis of «MASO31» content was done using the WHO Complementary Feeding Recommendations as gold standard. Energy and nutrients content of 100g of «MASO31» were higher than the WHO Recommendations for complementary feeding period in daily need. But, calcium and phosphorus content was lower than the recommendations and needed improvements. The number of times that was proposed by ACANUDE NGO for «MASO31» to be fed is similar to the WHO recommendations on meal frequency in complementary feeding. MASO31 may be recommended in complementary feeding in DRC but calcium and phosphorus content should be enriched. Key words: Adequate complementary food, Complementary feeding, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Local complementary food and Nutritional value.