Effect of Fermentation and Mango Mesocarp or Fluted Pumpkin Powders on the Chemical Composition and Potential Mineral Bioavailability of Sorghum-Based Complementary Foods

The effect of fermentation, mango mesocarp or fluted pumpkin leaf powders on the chemical properties and potential mineral bioavailability of sorghum-based complementary foods was investigated. Samples were formulated based on 16% protein to satisfy the nutrient requirement of preschool children to obtain non-fermented sorghum/mango mesocarp/crayfish (NFSMC), non-fermented sorghum/fluted pumpkin leaf/crayfish (NFSPC), fermented sorghum/ mango mesocarp/crayfish (FSMC) and fermented sorghum/ fluted pumpkin leaf /crayfish (FSPC). Some physico-chemical properties of the blends were analysed using standard procedures. Moisture (10.22–10.99%) and carbohydrate (78.73-79.89%). The protein (15.84-16.91%), fibre (0.07-0.08%) and ash (2.07-2.15%) were within the recommended limits. Fat contents ranged from 2.00-2.16% and energy values ranged from 401.40 to 402.10 kCal. Fermentation did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect the proximate composition of the products. The mineral values for magnesium (53.25-61.60%), sodium (32.06-46.30%), potassium (20.80-44.66%), calcium (198.60-230.30%) and phosphorus (98.99-101.50%) with no significant (p ≥ 0.05) difference in most of the products. The iron and copper values ranged from 10.03-17.09% and 0.42-1.43% respectively. Mineral ratios for the products ranged from 0.74 – 2.19 for Na/K, 1.96 – 2.71 for Ca/P and 3.69 – 5.07 for Ca/Mg. The tannins content ranged from 20.23 to 51.51 mg/100 g, phytate (7.25-22.16 mg/100 g), oxalate (5.50 to 14.37 mg.100 g), pH (6.20 to 7.80) and beta-carotene ranged from 724.50 - 1215.40 µg/100 g with significant (p<0.05) difference between the blends. The molar ratios of the blends, except NFSMC, indicated good potential for mineral bioavailability.