Author(s): R Muthupriya and A Swarnalatha

Abstract:
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies worldwide, resulting from insufficient iron in the body. School-aged children are particularly vulnerable to this condition. To address this, iron-rich muffins were formulated using nutrient-dense ingredients like Niger seeds, orange pomace, and pearl millet. Niger seeds (Guizotia abyssinica), an oilseed crop, are notably high in iron compared to other plant-based foods and may significantly improve the iron status of at-risk populations. Additionally, Niger seeds are a rich source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. Both Niger seed powder and orange pomace powder were used to prepare the muffins, which were developed in five different variations. Sensory evaluations were conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale with 20 panel members. Variation 4 was found to be the most highly accepted by all panelists. The best-performing variation was then analyzed for its proximate and nutritional composition, and cost estimation provided insight into the product's economic feasibility. The study concludes that Niger seed-enriched muffins are a viable and effective way to incorporate iron into the daily diet of school-aged children, helping to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/23957476.2024.v10.i3g.1735