Multinational Research Society Publisher

PROXIMATE EVALUATION OF A NUTRITIOUS SNACK FORMULATED FOR ADOLESCENTS USING BAMBARA NUTS, SOYBEANS, CHIA SEEDS AND DATES


Sr No:
Page No: 30-35
Language: English
Authors: Oluwatoyin M. Jegede*, Oluwasegun H. Jegede, Jafaru M. Bunza, Daikwo Moses Alilu, and Uju Dorathy Iliemene
Received: 2025-07-26
Accepted: 2025-11-06
Published Date: 2025-11-17
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Abstract:
Adolescence is a critical period of rapid growth with high nutritional demands, yet it is often marked by poor dietary habits, including the consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snacks. This contributes to the burden of malnutrition. Leveraging snacking behaviour presents a strategic opportunity to improve adolescent nutrition through fortified, convenient food alternatives. This study aimed to develop and conduct a proximate evaluation of a nutritious snack formulated for adolescents using a blend of Bambara groundnuts, soybeans, chia seeds, and dates to enhance its nutritional profile. An experimental research design was employed. The raw ingredients were processed into flour (soybean, Bambara nut), syrup (dates), and a gel (chia seeds) and combined into three different snack formulations. The proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude lipid, crude protein, crude fibre, and carbohydrates) of the raw ingredients, processed ingredients, and final snack products was determined using standard AOAC methods and compared against a control cookie. The analysis revealed that the individual ingredients possessed distinct and complementary nutritional profiles. Soybean was a protein powerhouse (40.10%), chia seeds were rich in lipids (21.92%) and fibre (21.39%), and Bambara nut flour was high in carbohydrates (68.47%). The formulated snacks showed a significant nutritional enhancement over the control. Specifically, they exhibited a marked increase in protein (up to 24.84% in Sample C vs. 3.79% in control), dietary fibre (up to 2.59% vs. 0.89%), and ash (mineral) content (≈3.10% vs. 1.55%), alongside a reduction in carbohydrate content. Moisture and lipid levels remained comparable to the control, indicating no adverse effects on product stability and texture. The study successfully demonstrates that the strategic formulation of snacks using Bambara groundnut, soybean, chia seed, and date can yield a nutrient-dense product significantly superior to conventional options. This snack has high potential to address specific nutrient gaps and combat the triple burden of malnutrition among adolescents by providing a convenient source of high-quality protein, fibre, and essential minerals.
Keywords: Adolescent Nutrition, Bambara Groundnut, Soybean, Chia Seeds, Dates, Proximate Evaluation.

Journal: MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies
ISSN(Online): 3049-1398
Publisher: MRS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

PROXIMATE EVALUATION OF A NUTRITIOUS SNACK FORMULATED FOR ADOLESCENTS USING BAMBARA NUTS, SOYBEANS, CHIA SEEDS AND DATES