Formulation of infant foods fortified with baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaf powder for children under five

Malnutrition is one of the most serious health problems throughout the world and the children under five are especially vulnerable. The aim of this research is to formulate food fortified with baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaf powder for children under five. Specifically, the research will focus on: (i) mapping local food matrices for food formulation, (ii) developing two food to food fortification formulas per biogeographical zone using baobab fruit pulp and moringa leaf powder, and (iii) assessing actual nutritional value and bio-availability of micronutrients in selected foods. The mapping was performed using a literature review and field survey. The two most important food matrices per biogeographical zone will be selected based on the bioavailability of Ca, Fe and Zn in the food matrices; their accessibility (physical and financial accessibility); their consumption level, their nutritional value and the different taboos relative to each food matrix. The development of the food to food formula will then focus on the nutritional needs of under-five-year old children (codex standard) to cover an important part in their daily nutritional needs. Proximal composition (dry matter, water content, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, total ash) of the selected formula will be determined according to AOAC (1995) and digestibility study of the key micronutrients (Ca, Fe and Zn) will be performed using (Kiers et al., 2000) method. Results indicate that moringa leaf powder and baobab fruit pulp are traditionally used in the infant diet in the three biogeographical zones of Benin. Chi square test showed that their consumption frequency vary significantly from one zone to another (P<0.05). The food vehicles identified and the frequencies of their consumption and their nutritional value are key elements for the development of adequately improved food to food fortification formula for under-five-year old children.