RESUMO
The objective of this study was to calculate, prepare and evaluate the Protein Efficiency Ratio (P.E.R.) and Net Protein Utilization (N.P.U.) of two infant formulas made with amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus). Both formulas were formulated to match a previously developed and tested soy-oats infant formula. No significant differences were found between the three formulas with respect to corrected Protein Efficiency Ratio (P.E.R.) and Net Protein Utilization (N.P.U.) values. Only the product made with the 1-R fraction of amaranth was found to have a significantly lower P.E.R. than casein.
Assuntos
Proteínas Alimentares/análise , Alimentos Infantis , Alimentos Infantis/análise , Magnoliopsida , Amaranthus , Aminoácidos Essenciais/análise , Animais , Proteínas Alimentares/metabolismo , Grão Comestível/química , Grão Comestível/metabolismo , Humanos , Lactente , Alimentos Infantis/economia , Magnoliopsida/química , Magnoliopsida/metabolismo , Masculino , México , Minerais/análise , Valor Nutritivo , Proteínas de Plantas/análise , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Vitaminas/análiseRESUMO
A powdered blend for feeding preschool children was prepared from whole amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) seeds, pearled oats, soybeans, sucrose and vegetable oil. The blend was similar in proximal chemical analysis and total caloric content, and identical in calorie distribution and vitamin and mineral patterns to a soy/oats infant formula previously developed. The amaranth blend equalled the FAO/WHO 1973 children's pattern in tryptophan and exceeded this pattern, as well as the soy/oats formula in all other essential amino acids; it reflected higher PER than casein and the soy/oats formula. In feeding trials with children 1-3 years of age, no significant differences in weight gain was observed when either product was fed. The anticipated cost of the amaranth blend is 6% lower than that of the soy/oats formula.
