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Research: BESWA and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 272
Abstract
BESWA and COLLEAGUES, 1. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X 01, Scottville 3209, South Africa; 2. University of Venda, Private Bag X 5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa; 3. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; 4. Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa studied the effects of amaranth addition on the pro-vitamin A content, and physical and antioxidant properties of extruded pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize snacks.
Background
Pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize snacks with added leafy vegetable may have a potential as nutritious and health-promoting products, especially in addressing vitamin A deficiency, which is prevalent in developing regions. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of adding amaranth leaf powder on the physical, antioxidant properties and pro-vitamin A content of extruded pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize snacks. Extruded snacks were processed using four pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize varieties that were composited with amaranth leaf powder at 0%, 1% and 3% (w/w) substitution levels.
Methodology
Results
At higher amaranth concentration, the expansion ratio of the snacks decreased, while their hardness increased by as much as 93%. The physical quality of the snacks may therefore need improvement. As amaranth was increased, the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the snacks increased as well as the pro-vitamin A content.
Conclusion
Pro-vitamin A-bio fortified maize with added amaranth has a potential for use in nutritious and healthy extruded snacks. There are limited studies reporting on processing pro-vitamin A maize with complementary plant foods, which is common with white maize in southern Africa; thus the current study serves as a baseline. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
References
Beswa D1,2, Dlamini NR3, Amonsou EO4, Siwela M1, Derera J1. Effects of amaranth addition on the pro-vitamin A content, and physical and antioxidant properties of extruded pro-vitamin A-biofortified maize snacks. J Sci Food Agric.;96(1):287-94. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.7092. Epub Feb 16 2015. Jan 15 2016.
