Comparative study of some commercial weaning foods common in Arab countries

ABSTRACT

Six types of different brands of weaning foods were chosen from supermarkets and pharmacies namely. Brand I, II, III, IV, V, and brand VI. Ten samples from each brand were taken randomly. Biochemical and biological evaluation were done. The results indicate that brand III was superior in total protein other weaning foods while brand IV was the lowest [P < 0.01]. Fat content and energy values were higher in brand II while brand III had the lowest values [P < 0.01]. The ash and phosphorus contents showed highest values in brand 1 than other types of commercial weaning foods [P < 0.01]. Calcium content was higher in brand VI and brand II but lowest in brand V. True digestibility, B.V. and N.P.U. values were almost similar in brand IV brand V and brand VI but less than other weaning foods, while it were highest in brand III. Lysine was the first limiting amino acid in brand IV and brand VI. While tryptophan was the first Limiting amino acid in brand I and methionin was the second. The highest amino acid score and N.P.U. were found in brand II and III