TITLE:
Evaluation of the Nutritional Properties and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Weaning Flours Made from Zea mays (Poaceae) Seeds, Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) Seeds, and Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Leaves
AUTHORS:
Samuel Koffi Kouaho, Alassane Meite, Kouamé Hermann Yéboué, Sidiki Sangare, Séraphin Kati-Coulibaly
KEYWORDS:
Weaning Flour, Corn, Cirtullus lanatus Squash Seeds, Moringa oleifera, Nutritional Quality
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Traditional complementary foods in Africa, which are based solely on cereals, are unable to meet the nutritional needs of infants during weaning. The use of protein-rich plant resources in combination with these cereals appears to be necessary. The objective of this study is to develop a high-quality nutritional weaning flour for infants from corn kernels, Citrullus lanatus, and Moringa oleifera leaves. Methodology: An MbCMo flour containing 75% raw yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera, an MfCMo flour containing 80% fermented yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, and 5% Moringa oleifera, and MgCMo flour containing 75% germinated yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, and 10% Moringa oleifera. A commercial industrial flour was used as a control. These three formulated feeds and the control were analyzed for their overall composition, mineral content, and antinutritional factors using standard methods. Results: Biochemical analyses of the three formulated feeds revealed water contents ranging from 2.5 to 5.4 g/100 gDM, lipids from 3.35 to 4.23 ± 0.01 g/100 gDM, proteins from 17.55 to 18.64 g/100 gDM, ash 2.38 to 3.38 g/100 gDM, fiber 1.54 to 3.13%, carbohydrates 70.63 to 75.17 g/100 gDM, and energy value 395.15 to 401.03 Kcal/100 gDM. These values are similar to the control and to the recommendations defined by the World Food Program. With regard to minerals, the formulations contained appreciable amounts, while antinutritional factors and mineral phytate molar ratios (Ca, Zn, Fe) were below critical levels. Conclusion: Overall, the formulated samples and the control sample comply with the standards defined by the WFP for infant nutrition.