Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality and Nutritional Potential of Composite Infant Flours Based on Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly where access to fortified complementary foods is limited. This study evaluated the microbiological quality and micronutrient and phenolic profiles of three composite infant flours formulated from tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Microorganisms were enumerated using the pour-plate method. Minerals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, total polyphenols and flavonoids by spectrophotometric methods, β-carotene and vitamin A by spectrophotometry and conversion, and vitamin C by redox titration. Total mesophilic aerobic flora ranged from 77.63 to 88.42 CFU/g, total coliforms from 32.30 to 54.42 CFU/g, and yeasts and moulds from 24.28 to 34.23 CFU/g; faecal coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected. Potassium and magnesium ranged from 1015.28 to 1019.72 mg/100 g and 109.27 to 118.06 mg/100 g, respectively. Vitamin A ranged from 0.35 to 0.96 mg/100 g, while vitamin C ranged from 43.98 to 50.16 mg/100 g. Iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium were comparatively low. Total polyphenols and flavonoids ranged from 0.96 to 1.30 µg GAE/g and 0.46 to 0.54 µg QE/g, respectively. Under the tested conditions, the formulations showed satisfactory microbiological quality and useful nutritional attributes, although fortification with selected minerals would be required to better meet infant nutritional requirements.