Development and nutritional quality assessment of multi-Grain and moringa leaf powder cookies to combat Malnutrition in children

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition affects children's growth, cognitive development, and immune function, especially in developing nations. MLP and multi-grain flour were used to cookies to assess their nutritional and sensory qualities as a functional diet to prevent child malnutrition.

Materials and Methods: The multi-grain cookies have 1, 2, and 3 grams of MLP and a wheat base. Our components were local, and moringa leaf drying and crushing produced MLP. The Superior University, Lahore culinary lab made the cookies. The cookies' diameter, thickness, spread ratio, and breaking force were measured. Moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat, calcium, iron, and phenolic substances were tested chemically. Sensory evaluation assessed color, flavor, texture, and attractiveness using a 9-point hedonic scale.

Results: The study of chemical composition indicated that total carbs varied from 58.8 to 60 g/100g, moisture content ranged from 3.1 to 6.4 g/100g, total ash was between 1.4 and 1.7 g/100g, crude fiber fluctuated from 1.07 to 2.06 g/100g, crude protein spanned from 10.5 to 11.48 g/100g, and crude fat ranged from 21.5 to 25 g/100g. The calcium concentration ranged from 21 to 24 mg per 100g, iron from 2.5 to 2.66 mg per 100g, and total phenolic content from 110 to 138.78 mg of GAE per 100g. Sensory evaluation revealed elevated overall acceptability scores for cookies with 1 g of moringa leaf powder (8.9/9), whereas protein absorption peaked in T2, signifying enhanced nutritional enrichment. The research emphasizes the nutritional and sensory benefits of moringa leaf powder and multi-grain cookies in combating childhood malnutrition.

Conclusion: Moringa leaf powder contains protein, fiber, and minerals. It may increase biscuits' nutritional content (based on wheat flour weight) without affecting taste. Moringa leaf extract improved wheat flour biscuit technology and acceptance. The study highlights the potential of nutrient-dense, multi-grain, and moringa-fortified cookies as a cost-effective strategy to combat child malnutrition. Policymakers can integrate these cookies into school feeding programs, support local food production, and promote nutrition education for sustainable public health impact.