Evaluation of the nutritional value of a composite meal prepared from pearl millet (pennisetum typhoideum) and cowpea (vigna unguiculata)

Abstract

Cereal/legume weaning food blends prepared in ratios of 70:30 and 60:40 from fermented pearl millet/roasted cowpea were evaluated for their nutritional values. The pearl millet used are SOSAT C-88, an improved variety and a local (unimproved) variety while cowpea used is the Borno red. Standard methods were used for the analysis. The protein contents of the weaning food blends met the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for infants (0-1 year), though the fat contents were low. It is expected that the low moisture contents exhibited by all the weaning food blends might give good storage stability. Mineral element levels were comparable to commercial weaning foods Nutrend® and Frisocrem®, except for calcium and zinc. All the weaning food blends were satisfactory in meeting the FAO/WHO essential amino acid reference pattern for infants 0-1 year. Even though, the 70:30 ratio has been used in most literatures, the 60:40 ratios used in this study is superior to the 70:30 ratio in terms of nutritional value.