Search for Local Food Supplements: Study of the Nutritional Value of 15 Plant Species from Niger

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.