PRODUCTION, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND MIINERAL ANALYSIS OF GROUNDNUT BASED READY-TO-USE THERAPEUTIC FOODs

Abstract

This study assessed the phytochemical composition, mineral profile, heavy metal levels, and anti-nutrient/mineral ratios of standard Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and a locally formulated groundnut-based RUTF. Qualitative screening showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and phenols in both samples. Quantitatively,tannin recorded the highest concentration in both formulations, with 80.75 ± 0.27 mg/dl in the groundnut-based RUTF and 50.15 ± 0.32 mg/dl in the standard RUTF, while oxalate was lowest (0.007–0.01 g/%). Other phytochemicals such as flavonoids (6.09–9.03 g/%), alkaloids (4.61 6.16 g/%), and saponins (4.19–7.25 g/%) were present in moderate amounts. Mineral analysis showed that sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium were predominant, with sodium highest in both samples (16.58 ppm in standard RUTF; 14.68 ppm in groundnut-based RUTF). Heavy metal evaluation detected trace levels of nickel (highest), arsenic, cadmium, and lead, all within WHO safety limits. Anti-nutrient/mineral ratios indicated strong tannin interactions, particularly with zinc (≈19–295) and iron (≈2.8–35.6). Overall, the groundnut-based RUTF demonstrated comparable nutritional and phytochemical quality to the standard RUTF, supporting its potential as a safe, affordable alternative for malnutrition management.