Standardization of Ragi (Eleusine coracana) - Nendran Banana (Musa paradisiaca) based infant weaning food and its effect on nutritional composition

Abstract:

Complementary food denotes a soft and easily digestible nutritional option that is appropriate for infants between the ages of 6 to 24 months. The present study aims to formulate infant weaning food premix using ragi (Eleusine coracana), Nendran banana (Musa paradisiaca) (10%, 15% and 20% ratio), almonds, cashew nuts and cardamom. The product was assessed for its sensory, nutritional quality and storage stability. Results suggested that the most acceptable product was T₃ sample with 20% of raw banana powder, with its well-balanced combination of colour, taste, aroma, and texture. Infant weaning food premix shows higher content of protein (10.8%), ash (3.0%), crude fiber (3.8%) and moisture (18.31%) in comparison to control and pH indicates the moderate acidity appropriate for infant digestion. While slight decrease was presence of phytochemicals in T₃ sample (sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids¸ quinones, glycosides, tannins, cardiac glycosides) in comparison to control. In addition, the glass jar packaging enabled it to offer greater microbiological protection up to 7 days in treatment (T₃) sample. Findings suggest that weaning food developed with ragi and raw banana powder is considered good in terms of protein, fat, carbohydrate, moisture, dietary fiber, energy and phytochemicals. Thus, the present study encourages the adoption of health-focused complementary feeding practices, paving the way for improved dietary choices that promote optimal growth and development in infants. The present study promotes healthy and safe infant complementary food development by focusing on naturally available and affordable raw materials which can be effectively used to pave the way for improved dietary choices that promote optimal growth and development in infants.