Characterizing germination effects on nutrient and anti-nutrient profiles in cereal-based protein-enriched supplement
摘要
Food-based interventions play a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition, particularly through locally available cereals and legumes. Anti-nutritional factors in legumes and cereals can inhibit nutrient absorption. Germination significantly improves nutritional profile by reducing these components and increasing the bioavailability of nutrients. This study investigated the formulation of cereal-based protein-enriched food supplements designed for women of reproductive age. Wheat, oat, and soybean were germinated and analysed for nutritional (proximate composition, minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamins) anti-nutritional (phytic acid, oxalates and tannins) components. The germination process induced a minor increases in moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, and certain minerals indicating improved nutritional value. Germination also reduced anti-nutritional components such phytic acid (14.98 to 11.76 mg in wheat), oxalates (5.5 to 4.07 mg in soybean), and tannins (4.36 to 3.08% in soybean). Vitamin A concentration in soybeans increased from 6.90 to 9.89 µg/100 g after germination with no detectable folic acid, vitamin B12, or vitamin C across the other grains. Proximate analysis of food supplements revealed significant differences in moisture (2.46 to 7.56%), crude fat (12.69 to 26.69%), crude protein (21.17 to 34.9%), crude fiber (0.00 to 5.03%), ash (3.99 to 6.05%), and nitrogen-free extract (28.45 to 51.66%). Mineral analysis highlighted higher concentrations in formulations with soy powder. Phytates and oxalates were highest in soy-based supplements, while tannins and dietary fiber were prominent in 100% soy formulations. The results imply that germination and particular formulation of cereal-based supplements can improve nutritional profile while mitigating anti-nutritional effects, providing an effective strategy for combating maternal malnutrition.