Nutrient quality and sensory properties of unripe banana based complementary food fortified with crab meat in Nigeria by Matthew A. Bassey and Ikechukwu E. Ezeagu, Scientific Research Journal (Scirj), Volume IX, Issue I, January 2021 Edition

Scirj Volume IX, Issue I, January 2021 Edition
ISSN: 2201-2796

Nutrient quality and sensory properties of unripe banana based complementary food fortified with crab meat in Nigeria

Matthew A. Bassey and Ikechukwu E. Ezeagu

Abstract: Protein-energy malnutrition is increasing among children in developing countries due to low nutrient density of traditional complementary foods. This study investigated the nutrient quality and parameters for acceptability of unripe banana based complementary food fortified with crab, Callinetes amnicola among under-5 Caregivers in Akwa Ibom State. The unripe banana (UB) and crab meat (CM) were processed into flours using standard procedure. The weaning diets were mixed in a ratio of 90:10(UBCM1) and 85:15(UBCM2) of UB and CM respectively. The proximate and mineral compositions of the four samples were determined using standard procedures. A total of 30 Caregivers attending nutrition clinics were purposively selected from 3 health facilities in Uyo LGA for a focus group discussion (FGD). Tape recorder was used to record the FGDs sessions to elicit information from the caregivers using a semi structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with level of significance set at p<0.05.The results showed that availability of raw materials, cost, familiarity and were the key predisposing factors for acceptability. As judged by the result of the sensory evaluation, the control and UBCF had a higher general acceptability scores and significantly different (p< 0.05) compared to other diets. The CM, UB, UBCM1 and UBCM2 have average quantity of protein in the level of 26.00, 4.14, 6.74 and 8.04g/100g respectively. The weaning diets were nutritionally adequate in terms of protein, Fe and Zn. Utilization of unripe banana fortified with crab may provide adequate nutrient needed for growth and development of young children.

Reference this Paper: Nutrient quality and sensory properties of unripe banana based complementary food fortified with crab meat in Nigeria by Matthew A. Bassey and Ikechukwu E. Ezeagu published at: "Scientific Research Journal (Scirj), Volume IX, Issue I, January 2021 Edition, Page 16-23 ".

Search Terms: Complementary feeding, food fortification, weaning food, unripe banana, young and infant child feeding

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