Development and Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality and Acceptability of Enhanced 'Luam-Nahan' Porridge Flour for Preschool Children

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluates the nutritional quality and acceptability of an enhanced 'Luam-Nahan' porridge for preschoolers in LMICs.Methods: Composite flours were developed using highquality protein maize (QPM), provitamin A cassava, soybean, and J. tanjorensis leaves.These ingredients underwent several pre-treatment steps, including steeping, fermentation, and drying.After the pre-treatment, the ingredients were milled into flour and blended in various ratios: 44:44:10:2, 39:39:20:2, 34:34:30:2, and 29:29:40:2.A control flour was prepared by mixing white maize and cassava in a 50:50 ratio for comparison.The composite flour blends were evaluated for their proximate composition, energy, vitamin content, and functional properties using AOAC methods.Sensory acceptability was assessed with the help of 30 caregiver-preschooler pairs, employing a ninepoint hedonic scale for caregivers and a three-point scale for preschoolers.Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and LSD tests, with results reported as means and standard deviations (p > 0.05), indicating no statistically significant differences among the samples.Results: Proximate analysis revealed higher protein (25.48%) and fat (6.02%) in the 29:29:40:2 blend, with moisture within recommended limits.Carbohydrates decreased across blends, with 80.42% in control and 57.59% in the 29:29:40:2 blend.Vitamin A and B levels exceeded daily recommendations in improved blends, with the 44:44:10:2 blend being the highest in vitamin A (1071.29 IU).Functional properties, such as water absorption and solubility, increased with soybean content.Sensory evaluation favoured the control for taste, while the 44:44:10:2 blend had the best overall acceptability among improved blends.Conclusions: The enhanced 'Luam-Nahan' porridge flour blends provide improved protein, vitamin content, and functional properties.This could help address the nutritional needs of preschoolers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).The 44:44:10:2 blend ensures optimal acceptability, making it a viable option for reducing malnutrition.