Elaboration and assessment of the nutritional suitability of multiple-mixture main porridge prepared with regional foods

Abstract

Introduction: Food should be introduced starting from the 6th month of life as a complement to breast milk, prioritizing the choice of regional foods. In the traditional approach, it is recommended that foods be offered in varieties and consistency of purees and porridge, which should be gradually increased. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop multiple-mixture main porridges (MMMP) with regional foods being targeted at children for food introduction and to compare their suitability with healthy recommendations for the intake of food groups and nutrients. Methods: This is an experimental, quantitative and descriptive study in which three different formulations were developed: chicken-based, fish-based, and meat-based, with a focus on children aged 6-8 months of life. The MMMPs were packed in jars similar to commercial products. Nutritional value was calculated using the Food Guide for Children Under Two Years (Guia Alimentar para Crianças Menores de Dois Anos), and alternatively using the Brazilian Table of Food Composition (Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos - TACO), based on the nutrient intake recommendations of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Results: The results obtained after analysis by the guide in kcal/portion were: 129.94 (beef), 148.85 (chicken), and 134.00 (fish). The energy density values found by TACO in kcal/g were: 1.72 (beef), 4.01 (chicken), and 2.06 (fish). Each jar (110 g) contained less than one portion of MMMP, with the exception of the preparation containing chicken. Conclusion: The preparations were found to be nutritionally adequate by both evaluated methods and contained all the recommended food groups.

Keywords

• alimentação complementar. alimentos regionais. densidade energética. introdução alimentar.