Abstract

The effect of germination of soybean and sesame seeds on the bioavailability of minerals of complementary foods was investigated using rats. Formulations of complementary diets 1 to 4 were produced from sweet potato, soybean and sesame flours at a ratio of 60:30:10, respectively. Formulated diets were significantly higher (p<0.05) in protein, fat and moisture content and lower in carbohydrate and crude fibre than in control. Diet 4 was significantly higher (p<0.05) in minerals (Ca, Zn and Fe) content than in control. The formulated diets were generally low in phytate and oxalate contents, while phytate content was much lower in the diets from germinated flour blends. Anti-nutritional factor (ANF): mineral molar ratio suggested good mineral absorption from the formulated diets. Mineral content of the tissues of rats fed with the formulated diets indicated good absorption within the rats; rats fed with the germinated flour blends had significantly higher (p<0.05) zinc, iron and calcium contents of tissues when compared. Diet 4 consistently received better rating among the samples.

Key words: Complementary food, sweet-potato, germination, anti-nutrient, micronutrient.