In vitro digestibility and mineral bioaccessibility of weaning foods developed from aromatic joha rice and sweet potato

Malnutrition is a major concern among infants and young children in the present scenario among most of the developing nations. The study was aimed to formulate a nutrient dense weaning mix using the locally available ingredients of aromatic Joha rice (Oryza Sativa L.), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), bhimkhol (Musa balbisiana Colla), green gram (Vigna Radiata) and pumpkin (Cucurbita) seeds. Six formulated weaning mix combinations were evaluated for sensory acceptability and nutritional properties. Based on sensory evaluation, two formulations were selected: one with aromatic Joha rice as the primary ingredient and the other with sweet potato as the base. The nutritional evaluation and physical properties assessment were carried out for the selected formulations (F3, F4). The crude protein, carbohydrate, and total sugars content was found to be highest in F3 formulation with 12.55 g/100 g, 61.71 g/100 g, and 12.31 g/100 g, respectively (p < 0.05). While, fat, ash, and dietary fiber content was found to be highest in F4 formulation with 3.6 g/100 g, 4.06 g/100 g and 4.11 g/100 g, respectively (p < 0.05). Among the micronutrients, calcium, iron, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 were found to be higher in F3 formulation in comparison to F4 formulation. However, vitamin A was found to be significantly higher in F4 when compared to F3 formulation. The protein and starch digestibility of the samples was carried out using in vitro methods. The hydrolysis index of F3 and F4 formulations was found to be 58.38 and 56.77 (p < 0.05). The in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) was found slightly higher in F3 formulation comparatively. The developed formulations aligned with Codex Alimentarius standards for low fiber and ash content for suitability for infant consumption. The study highlights the potential of the formulations as nutritious weaning foods for household and commercial use, addressing malnutrition in developing regions.