DOI: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16 ISSN: 2327-2716

Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties

Koko Kpakpo, Kouassi Codjo, Bouka Chantal, Paka Essodolom, Ouro-bere Tchagbele, Agonsa Mireille, Tchacondo Tchadjobo
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Problem : Commercial infants supplement porridges often contain insufficient mineral levels to meet Codex Alimentarius nutritional requirements, especially Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Copper. Objective: This study aims to determine the ability of fonio ( Digitaria iburua ) or quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa ) to correct micronutrients deficit in Nutrimix, an infant porridge flour used in Togo. Methodology : This study is an experimental comparative research conducted from February 2025 to July 2025. Various formulas containing different concentrations of quinoa grain flour and fonio grain flour were developed and analysed, to assess the impact of substituting quinoa grain flour or fonio grain flour to maize in a basic infant formula, called Nutrimix, already marketed by Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research. The cereals used to supplement Nutrimix flour were selected using a reasoned approach. Various substitutions were experienced to increase the mineral content of the final formula, especially Iron and zinc, most problematic nutrients during the complementary feeding of infants, with Copper and Calcium, expected to help meet Codex Alimentarius requirement. Five (5) formulas were developed by substituting maize with quinoa at different quantity of the final formula: 50 g of quinoa for Q1, 100 g for Q2, 150 g for Q3, 200 g for Q4 and 316 g for Q5. The same method was used for the five (5) formulas with fonio . These formulas were analysed to determine their nutritional profile, then compared to the Nutrimix formula using Student Test of means comparison. The best formula that increased Nutrimix micronutrient content was determined based on three (3) criteria: availability of the crop, significative difference of composition with Nutrimix and higher mineral content. Results : comparison of fonio and quinoa formulas to the Nutrimix shows a significant increased iron (4.58 to 59.19 mg/kg), zinc (19.03 to 27.4 mg/kg), sodium (65.59 to 90.52 mg/kg), and copper (<0.03 to 5.35 mg/kg) but the calcium level slightly decreased (from 542 to 417.7 mg/kg). Conclusion : Partial substitution of maize with quinoa and fonio significantly improved essential mineral content in infant porridges and represents a promising strategy for fighting against micronutrient deficiencies.

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