Nutrient selection and optimization to formulate a nutrient bar stable on storage and specific to women at risk of osteoporosis.

The objective of study was to select and characterize different food ingredients of plant origin and to optimize different levels of their formulations to develop nutrient bars; stable on storage and specific to women at risk of osteoporosis. After intensive literature review, ingredients selected include-cereal-mix of brown rice, oats and corn flakes, defatted soy flour, dried fruit mix of figs, dates and golden raisins, flaxseeds, two herbs namely dandelion leaves (Taraxicum officinale) and basil (Ocimum basilicum), honey and rice bran oil. Out of the 6 trials, total of 24 formulations were prepared to develop the bars. Tin moulds were used to shape and bake the bars, with standard temperature observed at 125 ± 5 °C for 25 ± 5 min. Selected ingredients showed high nutritional score on proximate and other nutrient analysis; four formulations of trail-VI got higher scores and were microbiologically safe. However, product showed some oxidative changes on storage. It was concluded that functional foods with healthy nutrients prepared for women at risk of osteoporosis not only aid in their bone health but are also commercially viable. © Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2020.