Linear programming for instant complimentary food formulations among Tanzanian infants aged 6 to 23 months

Abstract

It is challenging to follow all nutritional requirements simultaneously. A good mathematical tool for converting nutrient-based suggestions into realistically nutritionally ideal food combinations integrating locally accessible foods is the diet optimization model. The objective of this study is to design a linear programming model that figures out how many grams of each food type need to be mixed to produce an instant meal complement for infants between the ages of 6 and 23 months. The mathematical model developed computes the grams of each food type – Quelea mixed with either Green Banana or White Rice or Irish Potato and Onions, Tomatoes, Carrots and Green bell Pepper. When those foods were combined, an instant food complement will be created and entirely satisfy the preset needs of malnourished infants. Thus, Tanzanian public health technologists and nutritionists may apply the linear programming approach explored in this study to create new ready-to-use food formulations.

Keywords

• malnutrition
• linear programming
• instant compliment food
• food type
• quelea