Abstract

The nutritional potentials of acha as alternative energy source to maize in complementary foods was evaluated with a view to increase the accessibility and affordability of complementary foods by the resource poor mothers. The formulated acha-based complementary foods (D. iburua (DIF); D. exilis (DEF)), maize-based complementary food (MCF) and commercial formula (CFF) were evaluated for chemical compositions and nutritional qualities. Data were statistically analysed. Crude protein (g/100g) and energy values (kcal.) of DEF and DIF were 15.28 - 15.69 and 409.6 - 405.3 respectively, and were comparable to MCF (15.40; 407.9) and commercial formula (CFF) (15.50; 415.0). Essential amino acids of DEF and DIF were 35.64 and 38.76 g/16N respectively. The Na/K and Ca/P molar ratios of DEF and DIF ranged from 0.59 – 0.60 and 1.67 – 1.71 respectively. Phytate, oxalate and tannin concentrations were within tolerable levels. Biological values and protein efficiency ratios of experimental foods were 87.21 - 87.81% and 3.12 - 2.94 respectively, and were higher than maize-based formula (84.32%; 2.02) and commercial formula (86.53%; 2.52). Growth performance of rats fed on experimental CF were comparable to those fed on commercial formula, but lower in production costs (USD = 0.24) than CFF (USD = 0.90). The acha-based complementary foods were characterized with essential nutrients, ability to support growth and development, affordable and accessible to poor resource mothers; hence, the food samples may be suitable as complementary foods.

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