INFANT BOOST: A SCIENTIFICALLY DESIGNED BLEND FOR ENCHANCED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. MADE FROM WHEAT, FINGER MILLET, CASHEW NUT, SUNFLOWER SEED AND DATES
Abstract
Malnutrition among infants remains a significant public health issue, especially in developing
countries where access to nutrient-dense complementary foods is limited. This study was
designed to formulate and evaluate Infant-Boost, a complementary food blend developed from
locally available ingredients: wheat, finger millet, sunflower seeds, cashew nuts, and dates. Four
samples (A–D) were formulated and evaluated against a commercial control (Sample E -
Cerelac). Proximate analysis showed that Sample A had the highest fiber content (3.80 ± 0.11%),
lowest moisture (4.52 ± 0.37%), and balanced protein (9.91 ± 0.12%). Sample C exhibited the
highest protein (12.32 ± 0.00%), while Sample D had the highest carbohydrate (78.26 ± 0.13%).
Sensory evaluation revealed that Sample A had the highest overall acceptability score (8.58 ±
0.29) compared to the control (8.25 ± 0.42). All values were statistically analyzed using SPSS
(one-way ANOVA), and significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across samples.
Results aligned with WHO/FAO recommended ranges for infant complementary foods. Infant
Boost, particularly Sample A, proves to be a nutritionally adequate and sensory-acceptable
alternative to commercial products.
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