What is the potential of using local nutrient-rich foods such as moringa and spirulina to enrich infant foods?

In low- and middle-income countries, the complementary feeding period often coincides with growth faltering due to poor-quality diets.
This study investigates the potential of locally available nutrient-rich foods, such as moringa leaves and spirulina, known for their high micronutrient content, to enrich complementary foods for young children.
Through a dual approach combining nutritional composition analysis and a scoping review, the study assesses the likely benefits and risks of enriching complementary foods with these ingredients.

The Nutrition Research Facility (NRF) conducted a series of consultations with decision-makers in EU Member States, EU partner countries, within Delegations of the EU in partner countries and within the European Commission, in order to identify their current concerns in relation to nutrition issues in development contexts. This question arose from the EU Delegation to Chad.

The study employs a dual approach combining nutritional composition analysis and a scoping review to evaluate the potential of using moringa and spirulina to enrich cereal-based complementary foods for young children aged 6–24 months.
The nutritional composition analysis evaluates the nutritional profiles of cereal-based complementary foods and nutrient-rich local foods, determining the proportions required to meet children’s micronutrient needs.
A scoping review synthesises evidence on the benefits and risks of these enrichments, focusing on their impact on nutritional status and health outcomes. The methodology integrates data from the literature, comparing enriched foods to conventional fortified alternatives, and addressing gaps in research, including acceptability and nutritional and health effects.

This research investigates the potential for using local, high-quality, nutritious formulated complementary foods that are both affordable and accessible to the most vulnerable populations. Beyond improving child nutrition, such an approach aims to drive regional agricultural development and to enhance economic opportunities for local SMEs.

Main contact: Souheila Abbeddou

Organisation: Ghent University

Email address: Souheila.Abbeddou@UGent.be