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Proximate, Minerals and Sensory Properties of Protein Fortified Weaning Food Produced from Maize (Zea Mays), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) And Blood Leaf (Justicia Secunda)

Mofunanya, Grace Nneka Ugwu, Linus Ejiofor Emejulu, Cynthia Onyeka Anaeke E. J. Onyeneje, Gladysmary. Nonyelum

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Food Science and Technology

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I12-1719242

Abstract

This research evaluated the proximate composition, mineral constituents and sensory properties of protein-fortified weaning food produced from composite blends of maize (Zea mays), African yam bean -AYB (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), and blood leaf (Justicia secunda) flours. Maize grains were soaked, gelatinized, oven-dried (55 °C), milled and sieved (500µm). AYB was soaked, dehulled, boiled (100 °C) for 30min, tray-dried (60 °C) for 12hr, milled and sieved (500µm). Blood leaf leaves were washed, blanched at 80 °C for 3min, tray-dried (60 °C) for 10 hr, milled and sieved (500µm). The maize, African yam bean, and blood leaf flours were blended in ratios 100:0:0, 90:5:5, 80:10:10, 70:15:15, 60:20:20, 50:25:25). Samples were subjected to laboratory analysis using standard methods, data generated were analysed statistically. Results showed moisture range (9.76-10.10%), protein (8.03-16.52%), fat (3.99-4.83%), ash (1.00-5.00%), fibre (2.02-4.75%) and carbohydrates (59.14-75.60%), with energy values of 346.11-370.43 kJ/100g. Mineral contents (mg/100g) ranged: calcium 30.02-88.52, iron 3.02-7.99, magnesium 88.12-169.48, zinc 2.97-6.54 and phosphorus 117.59-194.86. Sensory scores declined slightly with increased substitution, with the control most preferred though all samples remained acceptable. The research concludes that incorporating AYB and Blood leaf flours into maize-based formulations enhances nutritional and sensory acceptability, offering a sustainable approach to combating malnutrition among children

Keywords

African Yam Bean, Blood Leaf, Maize and Weaning Food

References

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[2] Adebayo, O., & Ojo, T. (2024). Nigeria’s agricultural trade imbalance and implications for food security. Journal of African Economic Studies, 12(3), 45–60.

[3] Adegboyega, A. T., Amadi, E. A., Abayomi, M. A., Igwe, C. C., & Ade-Omowaye, B. I. O. (2020). Evaluation of nutritional and antinutritional properties of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms.) seeds. Journal of Food Quality, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6569420

[4] Adelekan, A. O., Adejuyitan, J. A., & Akinola, S. A. (2020). Nutritional composition and sensory properties of complementary food formulated from maize, soybean and Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, 3(4), 267–276. https://doi.org/10.26502/jfsnr.2642-11000057

[5] Dewey, K. G. (2013). The challenge of meeting nutrient needs of infants and young children during the period of complementary feeding: An evolutionary perspective. The Journal of Nutrition, 143(12), 2050–2054. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.113.182527

[6] El-Sayed, H. F., et al. (2022). Promoting weaning practices and growth of Egyptian infants by nutrition education using a health belief model. BMC Pediatrics, 22, Article 741. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-022-03741-0

[7] FAO/WHO. (2021). Codex Alimentarius: Standards for complementary foods. Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization.

[8] Gibson, R. S., Bailey, K. B., Gibbs, M., & Ferguson, E. L. (2010). A review of phytate, iron, zinc, and calcium concentrations in plant-based complementary foods used in low-income countries and implications for bioavailability. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 31(2 Suppl.), S134–S146. https://doi.org/10.1177/15648265100312S206

[9] SON. (2018). Nigerian Industrial Standard for complementary foods. Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

How to cite this paper

Mofunanya, Grace Nneka, Ugwu, Linus Ejiofor, Emejulu, Cynthia Onyeka, Anaeke E. J., Onyeneje, Gladysmary. Nonyelum "Proximate, Minerals and Sensory Properties of Protein Fortified Weaning Food Produced from Maize (Zea Mays), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) And Blood Leaf (Justicia Secunda)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 3316-3322 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719242
Mofunanya, Grace Nneka, Ugwu, Linus Ejiofor, Emejulu, Cynthia Onyeka, Anaeke E. J., Onyeneje, Gladysmary. Nonyelum "Proximate, Minerals and Sensory Properties of Protein Fortified Weaning Food Produced from Maize (Zea Mays), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) And Blood Leaf (Justicia Secunda)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 12, Jun. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719242
Mofunanya, Grace Nneka, Ugwu, Linus Ejiofor, Emejulu, Cynthia Onyeka, Anaeke E. J., Onyeneje, Gladysmary. Nonyelum (2026). Proximate, Minerals and Sensory Properties of Protein Fortified Weaning Food Produced from Maize (Zea Mays), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) And Blood Leaf (Justicia Secunda). Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719242
Mofunanya, Grace Nneka, Ugwu, Linus Ejiofor, Emejulu, Cynthia Onyeka, Anaeke E. J., Onyeneje, Gladysmary. Nonyelum "Proximate, Minerals and Sensory Properties of Protein Fortified Weaning Food Produced from Maize (Zea Mays), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) And Blood Leaf (Justicia Secunda)" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 12, Jun. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719242
@article{1719242,
      author = {Mofunanya, Grace Nneka, Ugwu, Linus Ejiofor, Emejulu, Cynthia Onyeka, Anaeke E. J., Onyeneje, Gladysmary. Nonyelum},
      title = {Proximate, Minerals and Sensory Properties of Protein Fortified Weaning Food Produced from Maize (Zea Mays), African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) And Blood Leaf (Justicia Secunda)},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {3316-3322},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719242.pdf},
      abstract = {This research evaluated the proximate composition, mineral constituents and sensory properties of protein-fortified weaning food produced from composite blends of maize (Zea mays), African yam bean -AYB (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), and blood leaf (Justicia secunda) flours. Maize grains were soaked, gelatinized, oven-dried (55 °C), milled and sieved (500µm). AYB was soaked, dehulled, boiled (100 °C) for 30min, tray-dried (60 °C) for 12hr, milled and sieved (500µm). Blood leaf leaves were washed, blanched at 80 °C for 3min, tray-dried (60 °C) for 10 hr, milled and sieved (500µm).  The maize, African yam bean, and blood leaf flours were blended in ratios 100:0:0, 90:5:5, 80:10:10, 70:15:15, 60:20:20, 50:25:25). Samples were subjected to laboratory analysis using standard methods, data generated were analysed statistically. Results showed moisture range (9.76-10.10%), protein (8.03-16.52%), fat (3.99-4.83%), ash (1.00-5.00%), fibre (2.02-4.75%) and carbohydrates (59.14-75.60%), with energy values of 346.11-370.43 kJ/100g. Mineral contents (mg/100g) ranged: calcium 30.02-88.52, iron 3.02-7.99, magnesium 88.12-169.48, zinc 2.97-6.54 and phosphorus 117.59-194.86. Sensory scores declined slightly with increased substitution, with the control most preferred though all samples remained acceptable. The research concludes that incorporating AYB and Blood leaf flours into maize-based formulations enhances nutritional and sensory acceptability, offering a sustainable approach to combating malnutrition among children},
      keywords = {African Yam Bean, Blood Leaf, Maize and Weaning Food},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719242}
  }