Screening for anti-nutritional compounds in complementary foods and food aid products for infants and young children
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A range of compounds with negative nutritional impact - 'anti-nutrients' - are found in most plant foods. The contents of anti-nutrients in processed foods depend on the ingredients and processing. Anti-nutrients in complementary foods for children can have a negative impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to screen complementary foods from developing countries for the anti-nutritional compounds, phytate, polyphenols, inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin, and lectins. Commercial products based on whole grain cereals were included as a 'worst-case' scenario for anti-nutrient exposure in Europe. Contents of minerals (iron, zinc and calcium), in which absorption or utilisation is affected by anti-nutrients, were analysed. Thirty-six products representing foods used in food aid programmes, local blended foods, fortified instant porridges and 'baby foods' were analysed. The content of minerals indicated that the fortification of a number of products did not meet the declared levels of iron, zinc and calcium. The phytate content ranged from 68 to 1536 mg/100 g, confirming a persistent problem of high levels of phytate in processed cereal- and legume-based products. The phytate : Fe molar ratio exceeded the recommended level of
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Maternal and Child Nutrition |
Vol/bind | 9 |
Udgave nummer | Suppl. 1 |
Sider (fra-til) | 47-71 |
Antal sider | 25 |
ISSN | 1740-8695 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2013 |
Bibliografisk note
CURIS 2013 NEXS 046
ID: 43945077