Calcium enriched nutrimix flour supplement for lactating mothers: Optimized by response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract

Calcium deficiency in lactating mothers has been a widespread concern and a serious threat to the health of infants and mothers, therefore the present study has been designed to develop, Calcium-rich Nutrimix flour for lactating mothers; optimized by the response surface methodology (RSM) to supplement one-third calcium needs of lactating mother as per RDA. A Randomized Box-Behnken experimental design has been conducted to determine the optimum formulation of Nutrimix Flour. Forty-six sets of experiments were conducted to arrive at the optimized values of flour. The mixing ratio is formulated from a variety of ingredients as Finger Millet (37.5 g), Semolina (11.25 g), Green Gram (27.5 g), Amaranth Seeds (8.75 g), and Gingley Seeds (15 g)respectively. The nutrient content of the optimized flour was calcium (398.2±0.89 mg), Iron (4.8±0.14 mg), Moisture (7.7±0.2%), Protein (16.4±0.99%), Carbohydrates (65.6±0.22 g), Energy Value (389.29±1.24 Kcal), and Crude fat (2.04±0.30%). The functional properties of the optimized flour were swelling capacity 16.2±0.21%, Water absorption capacity (40.4±0.44%), Oil absorption capacity (36±0.9%), Emulsion Activity (42.7±0.3%), Emulsion stability (47.6±0.4%), and Bulk density (762±1.5 Kg/m3). The formulated Nutrimix flour is rich in calcium, protein contents and itwas used to prepare various ready-to-cook food recipes for lactating mothers.