Search for Local Food Supplements: Study of the Nutritional Value of 15 Plant Species from Niger
Soumana Sourounda Ide *
Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-Resources, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
Mahamane Sabiou Sani Maazou
Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-Resources, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
Saadatou Alkassoum Sangare
LARADES Laboratory-Djibo Hamani University of Tahoua/Public Policy Analysis and Government Action Evaluation Unit (CAPEG), Studies and Research Department, Niamey, Niger.
Maman Mahaman Salissou
Ministry of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs, Niamey, Niger.
Almoustapha Théodore Yatta
Ministry of Planning, National Institute of Statistics, National Information Platform for Nutrition Niamey, Niger.
Mahamane Djika Hachimou
Animal Production Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
Garba dit Gado Halidou Ousseini
Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-Resources, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
Almou Abdoulaye Alio
Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-Resources, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
Sabo Haoua Seini
Laboratory of Nutrition and Valorization of Agro-Resources, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
Ameyapoh Yaovi
Laboratory of Microbiology and Quality Control of Foodstuffs, Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In Niger, the prevalence of malnutrition and mortality linked to undernutrition among Nigerien children under 5 years of age remains high and constitutes a major concern for public authorities. However, the country is teeming with significant biodiversity that could help combat high levels of undernutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of 15 plant species of which 17 samples were taken as potential complementary foods. The water, ash, lipids, protein and cellulose content were determined. Carbohydrate content and energy density were calculated. Biochemical characterization of the sampled foods showed that Glycine max seeds were richer in protein (36.39%). Neocarya macrophylla almond has a relatively high lipid content (60.75%) and cellulose content (26.74%). The pulp of Hyphaene thebaica was rich in mineral elements (7.16%). The tuber of Ipomoea batatas (95.25%) and the pulp of Neocarya macrophylla (93.01%) contained sufficient carbohydrates, and the humidity was found to be higher specifically in the cereal (Pennisetum glaucum) and the tuber of Borassus aethiopum with rates of 6.72% and 5.70 %, respectively. In addition, a positive and significant correlation was observed on the one hand between the cellulose content and that of proteins and lipids and between the protein and lipid levels. In contrast, the correlation between carbohydrate levels and those of proteins and lipids was negative and very significant. The results confirm that pulps and kernels of fruits, legumes, tubers, and cereals can be incorporated into numerous preparations intended for children to supplement their diet.
Keywords: Local food products, nutrition, food supplement, agrosylvopastoral production