Globally an estimated 165 million, 10 million and 52 million of children below five years of age are stunted, underweight and wasted, respectively (UNICEF, 2012). Micronutrient deficiencies of iron, vitamin A and zinc have also been reported as a major cause of death through diseases among these children, especially in developing countries (Black et al., 2008; West and Darnton-Hill, 2008; Bruno et al., 2005). In Uganda, 33% of preschool children are stunted, 14% underweight, 5% wasted and 49% anaemic ( UBOS and ICF, 2012). Zinc deficiency is estimated to range between 20 to 69% while 20% are vitamin A deficient (Fanta, 2010). Most malnutrition inUganda occurs during the period of complementary feeding (6-18 months) because of inappropriate complementary foods (UBOS and ICF, 2012). This is because of increased nutrient requirements for growth and development during this period but with limited gastric capacity (Compaore et al., 2011).

Critical stunting levels above 40% have been persistently reported in Western Uganda where millet porridge is a common complementary food (Harvey et al., 2010; UBOS and ICF, 2001, 2012). Our baseline survey in this area revealed that stunting, underweight and wasting levels among children aged 7-36 months were 31, 12 and 7%, respectively. Poor complementary foods and diarrhoea were found to be major factors attributed to this poor nutritional status among children. About 25-77% of the children aged 7-24 months were found to be consuming less than recommended daily intake of energy, protein, vitamin A, iron and zinc with finger millet porridges as the most common bulky complementary food (unpublished data).

Finger millet porridge is recommended as a weaning food since it is one of the least allergenic, non acid forming and easy to digest cereal foods (Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012). However, it has low energy and nutrient density (Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012), limited amino acids (Usha and Lakshmi, 2010; Bachar et al., 2013) and high content of anti-nutrients such as phytates and tannins. These contribute to poor digestibility of protein and starch and reduce the overall availability of vitamins and minerals in millet (Lei, 2006; Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012). These shortcomings in finger millet porridges suggest inadequate dietary intake for children who use it as a main complementary food. There is need to improve on the nutrient density and utilisation of nutrients in this common feeding medium in Western Uganda. This can help to avoid the effects of malnutrition at such early ages which can result in irreversible damage to intellectual and physical development (Fanta, 2010). Moringa oleifera and Curcubita maxima powders are locally available food resources with a potential to bridge the nutritional value gap in finger millet and lower morbidity due to their antimicrobial properties (Dhiman et al., 2009; Fuglie, 2005; Usha and Lakshmi, 2010). Lactic acid fermentation is a potential household food preparation technology underutilized in Bujenje County but can also help abate the nutritional functional problems related to finger millet such as poor bioavailability of iron and zinc and low digestibility of starch and protein (Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012; Ogbe and Affiku, 2012). In addition, the antimicrobial properties in moringa and lactic acid fermentation can promote the safety and keeping quality of millet porridges  (Ogbe and Affiku, 2012; Onyango et al., 2005). This is an advantage especially in such farming communities where porridges are kept for long before feeding the children. In Bujenje County, M. oleifera powders are mainly used as herbal concoction especiallyfor children with diarrhoea. Alternatively, pumpkins are a popular crop whose leaves and fruits can be relied upon in times of scarcity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to improve on the nutritional value of finger millet porridges using locally available resources such as moringa (M. oleifera), pumpkin (C. maxima) and lactic acid fermentation in resource constrained and technologically under developed areas of Western Uganda.

The experimental materials comprised of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), moringa (M. oleifera) and pumpkin (C. maxima) made into flour. A commonly used farmer’s variety of finger millet known as ‘Mugaali’ was purchased from the local market, cleaned, dried and ground into flour. M. oleifera leaves and seeds were harvested, cleaned and dried indoors before being ground into flour by a local miller (mortar and pestle). A farmers’ variety of C. maxima, identified as ‘Okamanyaota’ pumpkin was harvested when mature, washed, peeled and seeds removed. The flesh and seeds were sun dried for about 3-4 days before they were milled separately into flour.

Nutrient quality analysis of finger millet, Moringa oleifera and Curcubita maxima foods

Finger millet porridges consumed at baseline, finger millet flour and pumpkin (C. maxima) were analysed for proximate composition, zinc, iron and vitamin A contents in triplicates according to AOAC (2012). The Kjeldahl method (Jung et al., 2003) was used to determine the protein content (N × 6.25) while fat was determined by solvent extraction (Sukhija and Palmquist, 1988). Carbohydrates were determined by the difference of the sum of all the proximate composition from 100%. The calorific (energy) value was obtained by multiplying the value of carbohydrate, protein and crude fat by the Atwater factors of [energy content = (g carbohydrate x 4) + (g fat x 9) + (g protein x 4] (Papadopoulos et al., 1986). Iron and zinc were estimated using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA 500 G., PG Instruments, Leicestershire, England) while vitamin A was determined by column chromatography (Parvin et al., 2014).

Formulation of the porridge flours

This was done basing on our baseline data. Study findings showed that in majority of children, only 40-50% of the daily requirements for kilo calorie, protein, vitamin A, iron and zinc were met by children’s diets (unpublished data). Table 1 shows how these porridges were used to feed children in Bujenje County and the percentage of daily recommended nutrient intake (RNI) they covered in children aged 7-24 months. The average amount of porridge served to children varied from 150 to 300 ml per day. Children were given porridges approximately 2 to 3 times a day (servings) depending on their age. The % recommended nutrient intake (RNI) covered by these porridges was quite small and varied from zero to 55% depending on the nutrient and the age of the child.

The experimental porridge flours were developed using finger millet, C. maxima flesh and M. oleifera leaf flours, with the aim of providing at least 60% daily requirements for protein, iron, zinc and maximising vitamin A in 150 to 300 ml per serving of prepared porridges taken per day. Given that vitamin A content in millet flour was found to be almost zero, C. maxima (pumpkin) and M. oleifera flours were formulated with finger millet flour at calculated rates of 300 µg, 400 µg and 500 µg based on the daily recommendation for vitamin A for children aged 7-24 months (Brown and Dewey, 2003). Six complementary porridge flours (M1, M2, M3, P1 P2 and P3) were formulated as follows:

Flour 1 (M1): Finger millet: M. oleifera leaf powder (95: 5).

Flour 2 (M2): Finger millet: M. oleifera leaf powder (93: 7)

Flour 3 (M3): Finger millet: M. oleifera leaf powder (91: 9)

Flour 4 (P1): Finger millet: C. maxima flesh flour (88: 12)

Flour 5 (P1): Finger millet: C. maxima flesh flour (83: 17)

Flour 6 (P1): Finger millet: C. maxima flesh powder (79: 21)

The formulated porridges consisted of two versions (fermented or non-fermented) and were compared with the control of traditional millet porridges (fermented and non-fermented) to ascertain the effect of fermentation and M. oleifera leaves and C. maxima flesh flours on the porridges formulated.

Fermentation of the formulated porridge

The porridges were fermented using lactic acid fermentation starter cultures prepared according to U.K patent, ARIPO Patent No. AP122 (Mbugua, 1992). Formulated flours were each slurred withwater (50% solids), inoculated with 5% starter culture and incubated at room temperature for 24 h. The pH and titratable acidity in the porridges were measured to determine if fermentation had occurred.

The pH was measured using Metrohm 605 pH meter Swiss made, calibrated to 7.005. Ten millilitre samples of each of the porridges were put in a beaker. Five drops of 1% phenolphthalein solution were added and titration done to first persistent pink colour with 0.1 N NaOH. Titratable acidity was calculated on the basis of lactic acid equivalent according to the formula;

Preparation of porridges

Fourteen types of porridges were prepared on the day of the test. They included the control of traditional millet porridge fermented and non-fermented and porridges with different amounts of M. oleifera and C. maxima (pumpkin) flours. 200 ml of smooth slurries made from 10-20% flour solids were mixed with 1 L of boiling water

in cooking pots and the mixture stirred for at least 10 min to obtain smooth textured porridges. To ensure a comparable consistency inporridges, the total amount of water, flour and cooking time were adjusted for each of the porridge through visual examination by checking the fluidity of the porridge. The cooked porridges were kept in plastic jugs to maintain the serving temperature and sweetened before tasting.

Sensory evaluation

According to Gomiero et al. (2003) organoleptic parameters such as colour, aroma, taste, consistency and appearance are key measures of product quality (Compaore et al., 2011). Porridge samples from the different formulations were subjected to sensory evaluation using a seven point hedonic scale of 1-7, where 1 = dislike very much; 2 = dislike moderately; 3 = dislike slightly; 4= neither like, nor dislike; 5 = like slightly; 6 = like moderately and 7 = like very much (Carpenter et al., 2000). Twenty two (22) mother panellists from Bujenje County were used to evaluate the formulated porridges in terms of colour, consistency, flavour, taste and overall acceptability. Twenty two (22) mother panellists aged 22-35 years with children less than two years of age were used because they determine the choice for children’s feeds and were familiar with millet porridges. Each judge was presented with 7 disposable cups containing different blinded porridge samples per day for two days. The porridges were provided at the interval of 5-10 minutes. On the first day non-fermented moringa and pumpkin fortified millet porridges, and ordinary millet porridge as control, were presented while on the second day, fermented millet based porridges were presented. In addition, spoons for evaluating each porridge sample and bottled water for rinsing of the mouth in between testing of the porridges were provided. Rinsing the mouth minimised the carry-over taste effects from previous sample. Each treatment was evaluated three times by each panellist. The most acceptable porridges were standardized by a Bostwick Consistometer (Mouquet et al., 2006) and their nutrient composition analysed.

Viscosity of the acceptable formulated porridges

For this study 100 g finger millet flour, 150 g finger millet with 7% M. oleifera fortificant and 120 g finger millet with 17% C. maxima flour were mixed separately with 1000 ml of clean tap water. They were brought to boil and simmered for at least 10 min while stirring to ensure a smooth consistency for porridges. The porridges were cooled to 40°C, the recommended temperature for young children. The flow distance of the porridges was measurement by a Bostwick consistometer in triplicate (Mouquet et al., 2006).

Determination of antimicrobial properties

Antimicrobial properties of the porridges were determined over a 24 period to gauge the extent to which microorganisms could be resisted in formulated porridges. Agar diffusion pouring technique was used to monitor growth of pathogens on selective media by measuring the zones of inhibition against diarrhoea causing bacteria of E. coli, S. shiga, S. aureus and S. typhi (Doughari et al., 2007). These bacterial cultures were sourced from the Department of Public Health, Bacteriology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kenya. Their turbidity was standardised to 0.39 optical densities before being inoculated in the media.

Determination of growth of bacteria by plate count technique

The growth of pathogens was monitored during the 24 h using selective media at 35^°C. Baird- Parker was used to monitor growth of S. aureus, Violet Red Bile Agar for E. coli, Brilliant green agar for S. typhi,  and MacConkey  agar for S. shiga. The media were  eachprepared aseptically in McCarthey bottles and put in a water bath at 45^°C. About 15-20 ml media was poured on the PCA plate after being mixed with 0.2 millilitres of each of the standardised diluted bacteria pathogens and allowed to set. Three points were marked and holes 1 cm in diameter made using a cork borer in each of the plates equidistant from each other. Fermented porridges of finger millet, millet with 7% M. oleifera leaf powder and millet with 17% C. maxima flesh flour were each prepared and immediately cooled to 40^°C. About 0.2 ml of each of the prepared porridges were put in each hole. The plates were left for about 15 min to allow for setting before being incubated at 35^°C for 24 h. The diameter of a colony-free halo around the porridges was taken as a measure of the degree of antibacterial activity of the porridges.

Data analysis

Version 20 SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL was used for data analysis. Chi-square tests were used for comparing percentage acceptance of the porridges by mothers. Analysis of variance was carried out and differences among means were compared by Duncan’s test at p<0.05. 

Nutrient composition of finger millet, Cucurbita maxima and Moringa oleifera

Table 2 shows the results for proximate and micronutrient composition of finger millet, C. maxima (flesh and seeds) and M. oleifera (leaves and seeds) flours. Finger millet flour had the highest carbohydrate content while C. maxima had the highest amounts of moisture. The seeds of both M. oleifera and C. maxima contained higher amounts of protein, energy and zinc compared to the leaves and flesh. There was more vitamin A and ash (minerals) in C. maxima flesh and M. oleifera leaf powders than in their seeds.

The pH and titratable acidity in the porridges

Table 3 shows the pH and titratable acidity in the porridges. The pH and titratable acidity were significantly higher in fermented C. maxima fortified millet porridge.

Organoleptic properties of the nutritionally optimised millet porridges

Percentage acceptance of nutritionally optimised finger millet porridges by mother panelist compared with traditional finger millet porridge is shown in Table 4. Majority of the mothers preferred the flavour of fermented porridges to non-fermented porridges. Mothers also showed higher preferance in taste, colour and acceptability of fermented M. oleifera and C. maxima fortified finger millet porridges than the non-fermented. Addition of 9% M. oleifera leaf powder and 21% C. maxima flesh flours in finger millet porridges resulted inless desired porridges in colour and overall acceptability.

Viscosity of acceptable porridges

The viscosities of the experimental porridges and traditional millet porridge are shown in Table 5 below. Finger millet porridges fortified with M. oleifera leaves had the highest amounts of flour solids and yet with the highest flow distance. The flow distance of traditional millet porridge was very low and yet it had the lowest amount of solid matter.  The amount of flour solids in fermented and non-fermented porridges did not differ much. There was some difference in amounts of flour solids in fermented C. maxima fortified finger millet porridge compared with the non-fermented.

Nutrient composition of organoleptically acceptable millet based porridges  

Table 6 shows the nutrient composition of organoleptically accepted ready to use finger millet based porridges compared with the non-fermented finger milletbased porridges. M. oleifera fortified porridges were superior in energy, protein, zinc, vitamin A and iron content when compared with all porridges. C. maxima fortified finger millet porridges were better than traditional millet porridge in protein, vitamin A and zinc contents. Only moringa fortified porridges could meet the iron, zinc and energy recommendations of the CODEX Alimentarus Guidelines on formulated supplementary foods. There were some slight increases in energy, protein, vitamin A, iron and zinc contents after fermentation. However the carbohydrate content slightly reduced.

Expected nutrient intake from improved millet porridges basing on baseline data and WHO guidelines

Table 7 shows the number of servings, amount per serving, amount of solids in the serving, cost of the porridges per day and the % RNI expected to be met by the porridges. After adjusting on the viscosity and the expected number of porridge servings per day basing on WHO guidelines for infant feeding, traditional millet porridges showed the potential of catering for  ≥ 60%energy requirements in children aged 7-24 months. However, the iron and zinc gaps still remained especially for children aged 7-11 months. Traditional millet porridges still have a big challenge of catering for vitamin A requirements. Finger millet porridges fortified with M. oleifera and C. maxima have the potential of meeting ≥ 60% RNI for energy, protein, vitamin A, iron and zinc in Bujenje County of Western Uganda. The porridges all costed less than $ 1 per day and there were no significant difference in their prices.

Antibacterial activity of the porridges

The diameters of inhibition halos against test pathogens of E. coli, S. aureus, S. typhi and S. shiga are shown in Table 8. All porridges offered some resistance against tested diarrhoea pathogens. Fermented M. oleifera fortified finger millet porridges offered the best inhibition against test pathogens of E. coli, S. shiga and S. typi while fermented C. maxima fortified finger millet porridge and fermented millet porridges mostly resisted S. aureus.

Diameter inhibition halos showed S. aureus as the most inhibited by all the porridges and S. typhi as themost resistant tested pathogen in all porridges.

Nutrient composition of the raw materials used in the formulation

Studies have reported carbohydrate content of 79.5%, iron content of 9.9 mg/100g flour and crude fibre content of 4.8% in finger millet which are very close to the present study findings (Bachar et al., 2013; Obilana, 2003; Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012). The protein content in this study is within the reported of 5.6-12.7 mg by Paragya and Raghuvanshi (2012) while the fat content is within 1.3-1.8 g reported by Bachar et al. (2013).

Present study findings on ash and zinc content of finger millet are also within 1.7- 4.13 mg and 0.92-2.55 mg per 100 g finger millet flour, respectively reported (Amadou et al., 2013; Bachar et al., 2013). Gopalan et al. (1999) havereported 45 μg carotene per 100 g of finger millet while nap.edu reported 6 retinol equivalent (Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012). Present study findings concur with Bhaskaracharya (2001) reports of finger millet being a very poor source of β-carotene with values ranging from 0 to 1 μg/100 g (Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012).

Results for Moringa oleifera leaves compare closely with findings by Ogbe and Affiku (2012) but contrast for zinc and energy content in moringa leaves. Ogbe and Affiku (2012) reported 6.0 mg of zinc and 1440 kcal energy against 2.5 mg zinc and 332.15 kcal energy observed in the present study. Thierry et al. (2013) also reported protein content of 31.62-35.59 g and iron content of 20.34-33.68 mg which are quite higher than the present study findings.

M. oleifera seeds have been reported to vary in protein content from 29.63-31.36g, fat from 30.36-40.39, ash from 6-8 and 9% carbohydrates (Compaore et al., 2011). However, the reported carbohydrate content is low compared to the present research findings of 23.44% while for protein, fat and ash contents, they are slightly higher. These differences in nutrient content may be attributed to differences in soils and stage of maturity of M. oleifera plants.

High moisture, carbohydrates and vitamin A levels and lower  protein, fat/oil and zinc levels in the C. maxima flesh compared to the seed is comparable to findings by Mohammad (2004). Low moisture indicates good storage properties since growth of micro-organisms can be hindered. Findings in this study show lower levels of protein in C. maxima (23.12 g) compared to 36.2g and 39.3g reported by Mohammad (2004) and Fedha et al. (2010), respectively. Cucurbita flesh protein of 13.73 g was also different from the 4.0 g proteins reported by Fedha et al. (2010). However present findings concur with Usha and Lakshmi (2010) results for  protein, fat and ash contents of 15.69g, 1.62g and 5.7g respectively. According to Compaore et al. (2011), pumpkin seeds contain 42% protein, 13.4% carbohydrate, 42.9-57.3% lipids and 4.33-7.25% ash (minerals). These values are higher than the present study findings. The differences in nutrient  composition can  be  attributed to the variety  ofpumpkin, nature of soils and maturity stage (Fedha et al., 2010).

High amounts of protein, energy and zinc in C. maxima and M. oleifera seeds compared to the leaf and flesh justify their suitability as good raw materials for promotion of high nutrient density diets in infant food formulation (Compaore et al., 2011). Fibre prevents constipation but high amounts of fibre in the seeds could be a challenge in infants diet since it causes irritation of the gut mucosa (Elinge et al., 2012; Mohammad, 2004). Though moringa and pumpkin seeds have more protein, fat/oil and energy than the leaf and flesh powders, they were not suitable for fortifying finger millet porridges. This was because of their comparatively low levels of vitamin A when compared to the leaves of moringa and pumpkin flesh and the fact that finger millet had almost no vitamin A. M. oleifera leaves and C. maxima (pumpkin) flour have very high amounts of vitamin A which could be utilised in improving vitamin A content in millet porridges. This would promote vitamin A intake in children, build body immunity and perhaps reduce on infections in children that are common in  Bujenje County (Ring and Develo, 2009). The high iron content in moringa leaves could help address the iron deficiencies that are common among preschool children in Western Uganda.

Effect of lactic fermentation, moringa and pumpkin fortificants on the organoleptic properties of the formulated porridges

The reduction in acceptability of 21% Cucurbita maxima fortified finger millet porridges can be attributed to the yellow colour imparted by the carotenoids pigment naturally present in Cucurbita maxima (Usha and Lakshmi 2010). The dark green colour of the M. oleifera leaves was also responsible for the reduced acceptability in finger millet porridges with 9% M. oleifera leaves powder. Pumpkin (Cucurbita) fortified millet porridges were more acceptable than moringa fortified because of being familiar foods. Higher preference for fermented products in terms of flavour can be attributed to the production of lactic acid, alcohols and carboxylic acids in fermented products that promote production of a variety of flavour of the existing food (Blandino et al., 2003; Lei, 2006). The oven temperatures slightly altered the colour in the process of drying. This could explain why majority of mothers preferred the colour of fermented M. oleifera and C. maxima fortified porridges to the non-fermented versions.

Effect of lactic fermentation, moringa and pumpkin flours on the nutrient content of the formulated porridges

M. oleifera leaf powder and C. maxima flesh powder were able  to  improve   the  nutrient   content  of  finger  milletporridges. Through optimisation of nutrients and costs, the nutrient content of the porridges was improved and the prices kept to the minimum. M. oleifera and C. maxima flesh flours had a negative impact on gelatisation of porridges compared to millet flours. This was also observed by Usha and Lakshmi (2010) when formulating weaning mix and was attributed to high pectin levels in Cucurbita. This property of a weaning mix is ideal because diets that form gel at higher concentrations allow dilution in attempts to increase the digestibility of the weaning mix without losing the density of nutrients as compared to weaning mixes with least concentration (Usha and Lakshmi, 2010). Such a property is especially vital for developing countries where low calorie and protein intake in children have been attributed to dilution of complementary foods (Hossain et al., 2005). Finger millet porridges fortified with M. oleifera powders resulted in more nutritious porridges within the recommended viscosity for children (Mouquet et al., 2006). Comple-mentary porridge consistency has been reported to have considerable variation depending on character, size, proportion of suspended particles (Bruyeron et al., 2010). There was some decrease in carbohydrate content after fermentation since lactic acid bacteria use sugars during fermentation (Thierry et al., 2013). This decrease in carbon ration causes the nitrogen in fermented slurry to be concentrated and must have affected the total mass resulting in slight increases in energy, protein, vitamin A, iron and zinc in the fermented porridges (Onyango et al., 2005; Thierry et al., 2013).

Moringa fortified porridges had the best nutrient composition and were able to meet the energy, iron and zinc recommendations of the CODEX requirements. Scholars have shown the potential of moringa in improving child nutrition (Odinakachukwu et al., 2014; Thierry et al., 2013). Moringa has also demonstrated the potential of improving vitamin A in serum depleted rats (Thurber and Fahey, 2009). C. maxima fortified millet porridges had better protein, vitamin A and zinc compared to traditional millet porridges. Consumption of pumpkins (Cucurbita) has been promoted as a means of promoting vitamin A intake among resource constrained populations (Dhiman et al., 2009). C. maxima has also demonstrated the potential of providing economic, nutritious and organoleptically acceptable weaning mix (Compaore et al., 2011; Usha and Lakshmi, 2010). Adequate processing and judicious blending of the locally available foods has been encouraged as a measure of improving intake of nutrients among children in areas with limited resources (Lombor et al., 2009).

Antimicrobial properties of formulated millet porridges

All lactic fermented porridges had some inhibition properties    against   bacterial   pathogens.  Lactic   acid bacteria are reported to produce antimicrobial substances which inhibit certain diarrhoea causing microorganisms such as E. coli, salmonella typhi and shigella (Gabriel-Ajobiewe et al., 2014; Guslandi, 2005). Efficient lactic acid fermentation is reported to produce a pH of 4 or less at which growth of pathogens is inhibited (Lei, 2006). This explains the better inhibition against S. aureus observed in pumpkin (Cucurbita) fortified finger millet porridges with high titratable acidity. Other factors responsible for safety of fermented foods include production of bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, carbon dioxide, ethanol and antibiotic like substances (Gabriel-Ajobiewe et al., 2014; Lei, 2006). Presence of M. oleifera leaf powder in the finger millet porridge must have contributed to the larger halo size against E. coli. Moringa also had better inhibitory characteristics against Shigella shiga and salmonella typhi. This is because of the complex chemical compounds such as kaempferol and rutin contained in M. oleifera leaves that have antioxidant and antibiotic properties (Patel et al., 2011; Fuglie, 2005). Moringa leaf extract is also reported to have exhibited broad spectrum activity against test organisms of E. coli and S. typhi (Bukar et al., 2010). Bacteria inhibition in curcubita fortified porridges could also be attributed to photochemicals found in pumpkin (Dhiman et al., 2009). Inhibition of growth of bacteria in these porridges was therefore due to combined effects of lactic acid fermentation and presence of antioxidants in moringa and pumpkin powders (Dhiman et al., 2009; Patel et al., 2011). These antimicrobial properties of the formulated porridges justify them for use in communities like Bujenje County where high infection rate has been reported (Ring and Develo, 2009). Perhaps this would reduce on the high levels of diarrhoea infections that are common during the weaning period not only in Uganda but also in developing countries.

Nutritional potential of improved millet based porridges

Foods for infants should be energy dense because of the limited gastric capacity in young children coupled with the need for increased nutrient intake. The present recipe for traditional millet porridges if intergrated in the feeding practices of this local community and combined with nutritional education could address children’s energy needs. However the iron and zinc gaps would still remain. These are very essential nutrients in young children whose effects cannot be neglected especially at this critical stage of growth and development. These results confirm the superiority of finger millet to other cereals in catering for energey needs of children (Obilana, 2003; Paragya and Raghuvanshi, 2012). They also reflect the need for enriching the content of vitamin A, iron and zinc in millet porridges to avoid long term effects of these micronutrients.

Experimental porridges  have the potential of meetingthe target point of ≥60% RNI for children. The porridges were designed to be intergrated in the feeding practices of children aged 7-24 months and therefore could reduce malnutrition in Western Uganda. The formulated porridges are thus better complementary foods compared to traditional millet porridges. This is qualified not only by their increased nutrient content but also the antimicrobial properties they possess. Increased digestibility of starch and protein and bioavailability of iron and zinc are some of the benefits of lactic fermented millet porridges that have been reported by various scholars (Onyango et al., 2005; Lei, 2006). Lactic acid fermentation has also been reported to increase iron availability, gastric digestibility of protein and to reduce on the level of phytates in moringa powder (Thierry et al., 2013). 

Formulation and fortification of millet porridges using locally available food resources and technologies can provide nutritious, cost effective and safe foods to prevent malnutrition. This is believed to be a practical food based approach aimed at combating malnutrition among infants and children in Western Uganda and other developing countries. However certain aspects like digestibility of macronutrients and bio-availability of vitamins and minerals in these formulated porridges need further investigation. The porridges can therefore be evaluated for their effectiveness among malnourished children in Bujenje County, Western Uganda. 

The authors did not declare any conflict of interest.

Source of funding: Kyambogo University, Uganda is hereby acknowledged for funding this project. The authors would also like to thank the parents/caretakers who willingly participated in this project and the Department of Public Health, Bacteriology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi which provided us with bacteria cultures.