Nutritional, Antioxidant, Anti-Obesity, and Sensory Evaluation of Garcinia parvifolia - Fortified Fitness Bars

Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, is facing a prevalence concern with obesity. Functional foods containing natural bioactive compounds are widely studied for their potential use in dietary interventions for obesity and weight management. This study developed a low-calorie fitness bar enriched with Garcinia parvifolia, which contains bioactive compounds that might display antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. Four different formulations of G. parvifolia powder: Control (0%), F1 (1%), F2 (3%), and F3 (5%) were prepared together with rolled oats, puffed rice, honey, chia seeds, canola oil, and xanthan gum. Nutritional composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, pancreatic lipase inhibition, and sensory acceptance were analysed. The results showed that the energy values ranged from 371.73 to 377.76 kJ/100 g, with sample F3 (5%) showing the lowest sugar content (1.43%) and fat content (2.64%). Additionally, F3 also recorded the highest content of phenolic (49.43 mg GAE/g) and lipase inhibition activity (59.21%), demonstrating strong potential as a functional food. However, sensory evaluation indicated that 1% formulation (F1) was most preferred, while 3% formulation (F2) offered the best compromise between functionality and palatability. F3 was less favoured due to its sourness despite its higher bioactivity. Overall, G. parvifolia shows potential as a useful ingredient in snack bar formulations, boosting antioxidant activity and anti-obesity effects while retaining consumer preferences.