Malnutrition among infants in Sierra Leone still ranks one of the highest globally. Potency of some locally-formulated complementary food at resolving the problem had been proven. The experiment aimed at evaluating nutrient contents in traditional complementary foods consumed by infants in Eastern and Northern regions of Sierra Leone was carried out between 2016 and 2018. Ten common recipes identified through semi-structured questionnaire were standardized and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical package while means were separated using the new Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that Bennie-mix, pamahun, as well as pap prepared from rice, millet and rice-one pot are richer in protein content (9.92% – 16.87%) and essential micronutrients (Iron ranged from 0.45mg – 3.58mg and zinc ranged from 1.24mg – 4.38mg). phytate (0.61mg – 3.76mg) and trypsin inhibitors (0.26mg – 5.79mg) which were low in all the selected samples as recommended by WHO. It can be concluded that four out of the ten standardized traditional complementary foods are rich in macronutrient but required enhancement of the micronutrients.

https://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2020.03.011

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Busie Maziya-Dixonhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2014-2201

https://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2020.03.011

Nutrition and Human Health

Food Science; Food Systems; Nutrition

Malnutrition; Foods; Nutrients; Antinutritional Factors; Sierra Leone; Infants

Africa; West Africa

Sierra Leone

Headquarters and Western Africa Hub

International Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture