Screening for anti-nutritional compounds in complementary foods and food aid products for infants and young children

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

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
Original languageEnglish
JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition
Volume9
Issue numberSuppl. 1
Pages (from-to)47-71
Number of pages25
ISSN1740-8695
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

    Research areas

  • Calcium, Dietary, Cereals, Child, Preschool, Developing Countries, Fabaceae, Female, Food Technology, Humans, Infant, Infant Food, Intestinal Absorption, Iron, Dietary, Lectins, Male, Nutritional Status, Nutritive Value, Phytic Acid, Plants, Edible, Polyphenols, Trypsin Inhibitors, Zinc

ID: 43945077