Improvement in HC1-extractability of minerals in home made weaning foods.

Three weaning foods were formulated from locally available cereals and pulses such as rice (Oryza sativa), kangini (Setaria italica), sanwak (Echinochloa frumentacea), green gram (Vigna radiata) and jaggery. Cereals and pulses were mixed in the proportion of 7:3. Nutrient composition of developed weaning foods was within range prescribed by Indian Standard Institute and was found to be acceptable. Roasting was the processing technique employed in developing weaning foods which resulted in significant increase in HC1-extractable minerals, an index of their bioavailability to humans. The higher HC1-extractability of the minerals may be ascribed to the decreased phytic acid in the processed home made weaning foods.