Utilization of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) in formulas for the children with diarrhea

Abstract

Two formulas were developed based on pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), rice, maltodextrines, chicken and vegetable oils. One of them was prepared in the home using fresh food (home-recipe) and another one in which the ingredients were put through technological processes at a pilot plant (experimental formula). Both formulas were developed for children suffering from diarrhea. The assumption was that, depending on the number of ingestions and the weight of the child, the reconstituted product would offer 1.500 calories per day, with an energy distributed 8% from proteins, 40% from fats and 52% from carbohydrates. The high content of potassium and the high proportion of monosacarides, like glucose and fructose, present in the pumpkin, increase the osmolality and don”™t allow its utilization as the only source of carbohidrates. This is why it was necessary to limit its quantity in the formulation, complementing the deficiency of carbohydrates with tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) in the home recipe and with maltodextrin in the experimental formula. Both formulas presented low osmolalities (169-174 mOsm/kg water). The proteic quality (PER) was larger than 2. The sensorial test with mothers indicated good aceptability of the product, indicating their willingness to give either type of formula to the children when they had diarrhea. Preliminar test with 8 children from 6 to 24 months old, hospitalized with diarrhea, showed tolerance and acceptability as well as decreased frequency and volume of diarrhea.

Keywords

• pumpkin
• infant formulas
• diarrhea