(P26-066-25) Formulation and Nutritional Evaluation of Potential Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) Made From Blends of Locally Available Cereals and Legumes in Nigeria

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate ready-to-use therapeutic food formulations using locally available cereals and legumes in Nigeria to address malnutrition.

Methods: Ingredients were sourced from St. Margret Umahi International Market, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Four blends were prepared: S1 (57% millet, 29% soybeans, 9% groundnut, 5% crayfish), S2 (57% yellow corn, 29% soybeans, 9% groundnut, 5% crayfish), S3 (57% sorghum, 29% soybeans, 9% groundnut, 5% crayfish), and S4 (19% millet, 19% yellow corn, 19% sorghum, 32% soybeans, 11% groundnut). The blends were analyzed for nutritional quality using AOAC methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 23, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Carbohydrate content ranged from 64.77–73.44%, with S2 having the highest value (73.44%). Protein levels varied from 16.65–38.50%, with S4 recording the highest (38.50%). Fat content ranged from 0.81–1.01%, with S4 (1.01%) being significantly higher. Moisture content was between 3.22% and 5.01%, with S1 and S4 showing the highest levels. Fiber content ranged from 2.51–3.01%, with no significant differences observed (P > 0.05).

β-carotene levels were highest in S2 (26.00 mg). Vitamin B1 ranged from 0.03–4.32 mg, with S1 having the highest. Vitamin C content varied between 2.16 mg and 6.46 mg, with S1 leading. Vitamin E ranged from 0.29 mg to 0.52 mg, with S2 being the highest. Mineral content included zinc (0.64–0.74 mg), sodium (0.02–0.50 mg), phosphorus (64.44–91.65 mg), calcium (12.46–22.51 mg), and magnesium (5.43–20.01 mg).

Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloid levels of 16.59–18.23 mg, with S2 and S4 having the highest. Flavonoid levels showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Tannin content ranged from 0.16–0.39 mg, with S1 recording the highest. Oxalate levels varied between 10.25 mg and 10.51 mg, with S4 being the highest.

Amino acid analysis showed lysine (13.61–17.62 mg), phenylalanine (9.12–17.86 mg), alanine (6.84–17.61 mg), asparagine (9.73–14.22 mg), and leucine (11.80-16.92 mg), with S2 showing the highest values for these. Tyrosine ranged from 7.48–13.60 mg.

Conclusions: The study highlights S4 and S2 as nutritionally rich blends with significant potential to combat malnutrition due to their high protein content.

Funding Sources: This study had no external funding.