EC Nutrition

Research Article Volume 21 Issue 7 - 2026

Nutritional Evaluation of Complementary Food Blends from Sprouted Red Maize and Roasted Sesame Seed

Zannah I1*, Modu S2*, Falmata AS2 and Chamba G2

1Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
2Department of Biochemistry, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Zannah I, Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Received: July 13, 2026; Published: September 23, 2026



Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants during the first six months of life. As growth advances, however, breast milk alone becomes insufficient, making the introduction of semi-solid foods alongside breastfeeding known as weaning essential. This study developed and evaluated complementary food blends from sprouted red maize (RM) and roasted sesame seed (SS), using Frisocream (FC) as the standard control. Sprouted RM flour was combined with varying proportions of dehulled and roasted SS to improve protein quality for managing protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). Four blends were formulated: Blend A (80% RM, 20% SS), Blend B (70% RM, 30% SS), Blend C (60% RM, 40% SS), and Blend D (50% RM, 50% SS). Proximate composition, mineral content, and in vitro protein digestibility were analyzed using standard methods. Protein levels in Blends A (36.71%), B (30.32%), C (26.75%), and D (15.97%) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control (16.31%), with Blend A showing the highest protein content. Moisture, fiber, and fat contents of all blends were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than FC, though moisture remained within WHO’s recommended limit (< 10%). Potassium (K) and iron (Fe) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Blend A compared to other blends and the control. Zinc (Zn) levels varied significantly (p < 0.05), except between Blends A, B, and FC. In vitro protein digestibility increased significantly (p < 0.05), reaching 89.75% at one hour and 91.30% at six hours. These findings demonstrate that sprouted red maize-sesame blends, particularly Blend A, provide nutritionally superior complementary foods with potential to combat PEM in infants and young children.

Keywords: Red Maize (RM); Sesame Seed (SS); Frisocream (FC); Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

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Zannah I., et al. “Nutritional Evaluation of Complementary Food Blends from Sprouted Red Maize and Roasted Sesame Seed”. EC Nutrition 21.7 (2026): 01-07.

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