Formulation of baby food using red kidney beans, analysis of its nutritional status, and comparison with commercial baby food

Abstract

In undeveloped areas, malnutrition is a significant public health problem because it contributes to newborn mortality, impaired physical and cognitive development in infants and early children, and decreased disease resistance. In addition to marasmus and kwashiorkor, iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies also commonly appear as babies are transitioning from liquid to semi-solid or totally adult diets, which is a crucial period. The study's overarching goal is to find ways to improve early age nutrition to make up for deficiencies caused by patients' dietary practices of the past and present. This baby food was made with ingredients easily accessible in the area, including red kidney beans, barley, skim milk, almond powder, sugar, and salt. Red kidney bean was selected over black and white kidney bean due to its high mineral content. Sample C was the highest-ranking of the three baby foods tested. The nutritional breakdown of sample C was as follows: 5.3% moisture, 1.66% fiber, 10.2% protein, 8.23% fat, 1.35% ash, 73.26% CHO, and 407.91 kcal of energy per 100g. There were 346.7mg/100g of calcium, 8.36mg/100g of iron, and 320mg/100g of potassium. There was 334.74 RAE of vitamin A per 100 grams. All of these metrics showed significantly high values among the others. The most popular representation of the bacteriological quality of sample C baby food was found to be adequate. Sensory tests conducted by expert panels found that the manufactured baby food scored very highly on a nine-point hedonic scale measuring color, flavor, texture, taste, and overall acceptability. In addition, the optimally formulated sample was compared to store-bought baby food. The commercial company uses a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, and the gustatory test participants preferred it. However, Sample C performed best in terms of value for money. The baby food formula was well-balanced and sourced from easily available ingredients. The research suggests that with some adjustments to the current formulation, this food could be used as a cheaper alternative to the commercial baby food products currently on the market in Bangladesh.