فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Malnutrition among infants and young children remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. This study investigated the proximate, mineral and vitamin composition of five indigenous complementary food formulations commonly consumed in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Five different formulations, composed of locally sourced ingredients were purchased from local markets and processed using standard methods. The various formulations were then analysed for proximate, vitamin and mineral contents. Each formulation offered a unique blend of nutrients, with all the formulations showing appreciable amounts of both fat- and water-soluble vitamins. Formular A stood out from the others, containing the highest concentration of the B-complex vitamins and mineral elements relative to the other formulations, meeting the dietary refence intake for most nutrients. While formulars D and E contained higher vitamin A concentration than the others. Iron and zinc were highest in samples E and C respectively. All formulations contained nutritionally relevant concentrations of essential minerals. Most blends met the recommended daily allowance, while a few may need fortification with some vitamins and/or minerals. The study highlights the options available to fortify these complementary food formulations for better nourishment of infants and young children in Calabar, Nigeria, and beyond. The findings confirm that indigenous food resources, when scientifically optimized, can serve as effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable alternatives to commercial infant formulas. The study further underscores the potential of locally formulated complementary foods to address micronutrient deficiencies, promote dietary diversity, and strengthen food security in low-income communities.