Acceptability of Germinated Porridges with Micronutrient Powder Among Children (6-23 Months) in Kenya: A Parallel Site-Randomized Feeding Trial

Introduction: Foods prepared from germinated ingredients have lower antinutrients and thus suitable vehicles for Micronutrient powder (MNP). Unfortunately, home consumption of these food products is declining in Kenya. Methods: Three phase acceptability study: a seven-day phase one using a cross-over design, a two-week parallel site-randomized feeding trial, and a focus group discussion with caregivers. Results: Caregivers reported significant differences in color and texture between germinated flour porridge and control porridge, but these differences did not impact overall acceptance. Significantly more non-germinated flour porridges were consumed during the sensory testing. Conversely, germinated flour sorghum porridge (p=0.003), maize (p=0.127), and millet (p=0.073) were consumed over a 2-week feeding phase. Significantly more germinated flour porridges compared to non-germinated flour porridges were consumed in the latter days compared to the initial days (p<0.001). Caregivers gave positive feedback on the germinated porridges. Conclusion: The three germinated porridges were accepted and could serve as vehicles for MNP in Homa-bay County.