8 research outputs found
Employing Response Surface Methodology for the Optimization of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Lutein and ÎČ-Carotene from Spinach
Micronutrient composition and acceptability of Moringa oleifera leafâfortified dishes by children in AdaâEast district, Ghana
Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), a green leafy vegetable, is a good source of minerals and vitamins which could be consumed as part of diet to improve human health and wellâbeing. Drying M. oleifera leaves could make it readily available for use as a food fortificant. The objectives of the study were to determine micromineral and ÎČ âcarotene content of dried M. oleifera leaves, and leafâincorporated local dishes, and also assess school children's (4â12 yr) acceptability of dried M. oleifera leafâincorporated local dishes and feasibility of introducing dried leaves into a school lunch menu. M. oleifera leaves were solar dried, milled into powder, and packaged into polythene bags. Moisture level in the dried leaves and pH were determined. Minerals in the leaf powder were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Betaâcarotene levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Acceptability tests of dishes fortified with M. oleifera leaf powder were conducted with score sheets (Smileys) on a 5âpoint hedonic scale of âLike Extremelyâ to âDislike Extremelyâ, and dishes ranked to determine preference. Dried M. oleifera leaves contained high levels of micronutrients: 0.36 ± 0.04 mg/100 g Copper (Cu); 5.80 ± 0.68 mg/100 g Manganese (Mn); 20.96 ± 1.37 mg/100 g Iron (Fe); 6.79 ± 1.82 mg/100 g Zn; and 21.42 ± 1.67 mg/100 g ÎČâcarotene. The dishes showed significant levels of these minerals compared to the nonfortified dishes (P < 0.05). M. oleifera leafâfortified dishes were also highly acceptable to the children (highest mean score of 5.0 ± 0 of 5 and lowest of 3.50 ± 1.43 of 5). M. oleifera leaf powder contains high levels of the micronutrients ÎČâcarotene, Zn, Mn, and Fe, comparable to levels found in amaranth and spinach. M. oleifera leafâfortified local dishes were well accepted by children in AdaâEast district. M. oleifera leaf fortified dishes could be good sources of ÎČâcarotene and other minerals for children vulnerable to malnutrition in Ghana