COMPUTER OPTIMIZATION OF WEANING FOOD FORMULAS

Low cost protein/energy rich weaning foods suitable as supplements to human milk that satisfy the nutritional requirements for 6-12 month in fants were designed for the Egyptian market. Three formulas were optim ized with Brill Formulation Software using FAO/WHO weaning food recomm endations. Selected least cost formulations included: Formula #1: 38.5 % wheat flour 19.4% cowpea flour, 14.8% sesame flour, 15% NFDM, 73% co ttonseed oil and 5% sucrose; Formula #2: 23.3% wheat flour, 35.1% cowp ea flour, 21.6% sesame seeds, 15% NFDM and 5% sucrose; Formula #3: 29. 9% wheat flour, 35% cowpea flour, 16.6% sesame flour 5.25% NFDM, 7.9% cotton seed oil and 5% sucrose. Each formula contained about 20% prote in, 400 Kcal/100 g and sufficient amounts of essential amino acids. Th e extrusion process did not affect the nutrient composition of the wea ning food formulas.