Comparative Assessment of Formulated Instant Weaning Foods Based on Morphometric and Biochemical Parameters of Albino Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional, morphometric and biochemical profiles of six (6) formulated instant weaning foods in comparison with a commercial weaning food (Nutrend) as positive control and the vital growers mesh as negative control. The six instant weaning foods were formulated from selected staple foods and protein supplements. Diets (A-C) were formulated from rice-lentil based and diets (D-F) from sweet potato- soybean based at respective ratios of 70:10, 60:20 and 50:30, and blended with groundnut, crayfish and smoked fish in varying quantity to make up 100 g. These were compared with Nutrend (G) and vital growers mash (H) serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. From the study, saponin contents for all formulated diets were within safe limit at levels <10%. Phytate contents for all diets were below acceptable level of 1%. The trypsin inhibitor showed compliant except for diet D that was higher than the normal 10%. Diets D-F had lower flavonoid contents (3.00, 2.95 and 2.80 g/100 g) than diets A-C (4.99, 4.61 and 4.99 g/100 g). In all, diet F compared favourably with the commercial weaning diet (G). The animal studies revealed that body-organ weights were proportionally satisfactory, except for diet H which was low (2.31 g weight gain). The biochemical parameters all fell within normal range and have good safety profile. Diet F formulated with 50 g sweet potato, 30 g soy bean, 5 g groundnut and 15 g fish meal showed the highest potential as favourable substitute for the commercial weaning foods for infants when compared with the positive control food.