Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties

Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo; Kouassi Kafui Codjo; Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal; Paka Essodolom; Ouro-bere Tchagbele; Agonsa Sefako Mireille; Tchacondo Tchadjobo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

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| Peer-Reviewed

Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties

Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo^*

, Kouassi Kafui Codjo

, Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal

, Paka Essodolom

, Ouro-bere Tchagbele

, Agonsa Sefako Mireille

, Tchacondo Tchadjobo

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 15, Issue 5)

Received: 30 July 2026 Accepted: 26 August 2026 Published: 22 September 2026

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Abstract

Problem: Commercial infants supplement porridges often contain insufficient mineral levels to meet Codex Alimentarius nutritional requirements, especially Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Copper. Objective: This study aims to determine the ability of fonio (Digitaria iburua) or quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) to correct micronutrients deficit in Nutrimix, an infant porridge flour used in Togo. Methodology: This study is an experimental comparative research conducted from February 2025 to July 2025. Various formulas containing different concentrations of quinoa grain flour and fonio grain flour were developed and analysed, to assess the impact of substituting quinoa grain flour or fonio grain flour to maize in a basic infant formula, called Nutrimix, already marketed by Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research. The cereals used to supplement Nutrimix flour were selected using a reasoned approach. Various substitutions were experienced to increase the mineral content of the final formula, especially Iron and zinc, most problematic nutrients during the complementary feeding of infants, with Copper and Calcium, expected to help meet Codex Alimentarius requirement. Five (5) formulas were developed by substituting maize with quinoa at different quantity of the final formula: 50 g of quinoa for Q1, 100 g for Q2, 150 g for Q3, 200 g for Q4 and 316 g for Q5. The same method was used for the five (5) formulas with fonio. These formulas were analysed to determine their nutritional profile, then compared to the Nutrimix formula using Student Test of means comparison. The best formula that increased Nutrimix micronutrient content was determined based on three (3) criteria: availability of the crop, significative difference of composition with Nutrimix and higher mineral content. Results: comparison of fonio and quinoa formulas to the Nutrimix shows a significant increased iron (4.58 to 59.19 mg/kg), zinc (19.03 to 27.4 mg/kg), sodium (65.59 to 90.52 mg/kg), and copper (<0.03 to 5.35 mg/kg) but the calcium level slightly decreased (from 542 to 417.7 mg/kg). Conclusion: Partial substitution of maize with quinoa and fonio significantly improved essential mineral content in infant porridges and represents a promising strategy for fighting against micronutrient deficiencies.

Published in	International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 15, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
Page(s)	232-240
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Quinoa, Fonio, Nutritional Composition, Infant Porridge, Malnutrition

References

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Kpakpo, K. G., Codjo, K. K., Chantal, B. E., Essodolom, P., Tchagbele, O., et al. (2026). Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 15(5), 232-240. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

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ACS Style

Kpakpo, K. G.; Codjo, K. K.; Chantal, B. E.; Essodolom, P.; Tchagbele, O., et al. Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2026, 15(5), 232-240. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

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AMA Style

Kpakpo KG, Codjo KK, Chantal BE, Essodolom P, Tchagbele O, et al. Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2026;15(5):232-240. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16,
  author = {Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo and Kouassi Kafui Codjo and Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal and Paka Essodolom and Ouro-bere Tchagbele and Agonsa Sefako Mireille and Tchacondo Tchadjobo},
  title = {Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {15},
  number = {5},
  pages = {232-240},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20261505.16},
  abstract = {Problem: Commercial infants supplement porridges often contain insufficient mineral levels to meet Codex Alimentarius nutritional requirements, especially Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Copper. Objective: This study aims to determine the ability of fonio (Digitaria iburua) or quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) to correct micronutrients deficit in Nutrimix, an infant porridge flour used in Togo. Methodology: This study is an experimental comparative research conducted from February 2025 to July 2025. Various formulas containing different concentrations of quinoa grain flour and fonio grain flour were developed and analysed, to assess the impact of substituting quinoa grain flour or fonio grain flour to maize in a basic infant formula, called Nutrimix, already marketed by Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research. The cereals used to supplement Nutrimix flour were selected using a reasoned approach. Various substitutions were experienced to increase the mineral content of the final formula, especially Iron and zinc, most problematic nutrients during the complementary feeding of infants, with Copper and Calcium, expected to help meet Codex Alimentarius requirement. Five (5) formulas were developed by substituting maize with quinoa at different quantity of the final formula: 50 g of quinoa for Q1, 100 g for Q2, 150 g for Q3, 200 g for Q4 and 316 g for Q5. The same method was used for the five (5) formulas with fonio. These formulas were analysed to determine their nutritional profile, then compared to the Nutrimix formula using Student Test of means comparison. The best formula that increased Nutrimix micronutrient content was determined based on three (3) criteria: availability of the crop, significative difference of composition with Nutrimix and higher mineral content. Results: comparison of fonio and quinoa formulas to the Nutrimix shows a significant increased iron (4.58 to 59.19 mg/kg), zinc (19.03 to 27.4 mg/kg), sodium (65.59 to 90.52 mg/kg), and copper (Conclusion: Partial substitution of maize with quinoa and fonio significantly improved essential mineral content in infant porridges and represents a promising strategy for fighting against micronutrient deficiencies.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties
AU  - Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo
AU  - Kouassi Kafui Codjo
AU  - Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal
AU  - Paka Essodolom
AU  - Ouro-bere Tchagbele
AU  - Agonsa Sefako Mireille
AU  - Tchacondo Tchadjobo
Y1  - 2026/09/22
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 232
EP  - 240
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
AB  - Problem: Commercial infants supplement porridges often contain insufficient mineral levels to meet Codex Alimentarius nutritional requirements, especially Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Copper. Objective: This study aims to determine the ability of fonio (Digitaria iburua) or quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) to correct micronutrients deficit in Nutrimix, an infant porridge flour used in Togo. Methodology: This study is an experimental comparative research conducted from February 2025 to July 2025. Various formulas containing different concentrations of quinoa grain flour and fonio grain flour were developed and analysed, to assess the impact of substituting quinoa grain flour or fonio grain flour to maize in a basic infant formula, called Nutrimix, already marketed by Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research. The cereals used to supplement Nutrimix flour were selected using a reasoned approach. Various substitutions were experienced to increase the mineral content of the final formula, especially Iron and zinc, most problematic nutrients during the complementary feeding of infants, with Copper and Calcium, expected to help meet Codex Alimentarius requirement. Five (5) formulas were developed by substituting maize with quinoa at different quantity of the final formula: 50 g of quinoa for Q1, 100 g for Q2, 150 g for Q3, 200 g for Q4 and 316 g for Q5. The same method was used for the five (5) formulas with fonio. These formulas were analysed to determine their nutritional profile, then compared to the Nutrimix formula using Student Test of means comparison. The best formula that increased Nutrimix micronutrient content was determined based on three (3) criteria: availability of the crop, significative difference of composition with Nutrimix and higher mineral content. Results: comparison of fonio and quinoa formulas to the Nutrimix shows a significant increased iron (4.58 to 59.19 mg/kg), zinc (19.03 to 27.4 mg/kg), sodium (65.59 to 90.52 mg/kg), and copper (Conclusion: Partial substitution of maize with quinoa and fonio significantly improved essential mineral content in infant porridges and represents a promising strategy for fighting against micronutrient deficiencies.
VL  - 15
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo

Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques (E.S.T.B.A), University of Lome, Lome, Togo;Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-7512-2408
Kouassi Kafui Codjo

Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques (E.S.T.B.A), University of Lome, Lome, Togo;Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9502-1220
Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal

Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9774-131X
Paka Essodolom

Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5054-4899
Ouro-bere Tchagbele

Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques (E.S.T.B.A), University of Lome, Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-8311-7543
Agonsa Sefako Mireille

Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research (ITRA), Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-5146-3641
Tchacondo Tchadjobo

Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques (E.S.T.B.A), University of Lome, Lome, Togo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1203-266X

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APA Style

Kpakpo, K. G., Codjo, K. K., Chantal, B. E., Essodolom, P., Tchagbele, O., et al. (2026). Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 15(5), 232-240. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

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ACS Style

Kpakpo, K. G.; Codjo, K. K.; Chantal, B. E.; Essodolom, P.; Tchagbele, O., et al. Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2026, 15(5), 232-240. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

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AMA Style

Kpakpo KG, Codjo KK, Chantal BE, Essodolom P, Tchagbele O, et al. Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2026;15(5):232-240. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16,
  author = {Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo and Kouassi Kafui Codjo and Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal and Paka Essodolom and Ouro-bere Tchagbele and Agonsa Sefako Mireille and Tchacondo Tchadjobo},
  title = {Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {15},
  number = {5},
  pages = {232-240},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20261505.16},
  abstract = {Problem: Commercial infants supplement porridges often contain insufficient mineral levels to meet Codex Alimentarius nutritional requirements, especially Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Copper. Objective: This study aims to determine the ability of fonio (Digitaria iburua) or quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) to correct micronutrients deficit in Nutrimix, an infant porridge flour used in Togo. Methodology: This study is an experimental comparative research conducted from February 2025 to July 2025. Various formulas containing different concentrations of quinoa grain flour and fonio grain flour were developed and analysed, to assess the impact of substituting quinoa grain flour or fonio grain flour to maize in a basic infant formula, called Nutrimix, already marketed by Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research. The cereals used to supplement Nutrimix flour were selected using a reasoned approach. Various substitutions were experienced to increase the mineral content of the final formula, especially Iron and zinc, most problematic nutrients during the complementary feeding of infants, with Copper and Calcium, expected to help meet Codex Alimentarius requirement. Five (5) formulas were developed by substituting maize with quinoa at different quantity of the final formula: 50 g of quinoa for Q1, 100 g for Q2, 150 g for Q3, 200 g for Q4 and 316 g for Q5. The same method was used for the five (5) formulas with fonio. These formulas were analysed to determine their nutritional profile, then compared to the Nutrimix formula using Student Test of means comparison. The best formula that increased Nutrimix micronutrient content was determined based on three (3) criteria: availability of the crop, significative difference of composition with Nutrimix and higher mineral content. Results: comparison of fonio and quinoa formulas to the Nutrimix shows a significant increased iron (4.58 to 59.19 mg/kg), zinc (19.03 to 27.4 mg/kg), sodium (65.59 to 90.52 mg/kg), and copper (Conclusion: Partial substitution of maize with quinoa and fonio significantly improved essential mineral content in infant porridges and represents a promising strategy for fighting against micronutrient deficiencies.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Micronutrients Fortification of an Infant Porridge Based on Quinoa and Fonio Nutritional Properties
AU  - Koko Gloria-Elvire Kpakpo
AU  - Kouassi Kafui Codjo
AU  - Bouka Ekpetsi Chantal
AU  - Paka Essodolom
AU  - Ouro-bere Tchagbele
AU  - Agonsa Sefako Mireille
AU  - Tchacondo Tchadjobo
Y1  - 2026/09/22
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 232
EP  - 240
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261505.16
AB  - Problem: Commercial infants supplement porridges often contain insufficient mineral levels to meet Codex Alimentarius nutritional requirements, especially Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Copper. Objective: This study aims to determine the ability of fonio (Digitaria iburua) or quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) to correct micronutrients deficit in Nutrimix, an infant porridge flour used in Togo. Methodology: This study is an experimental comparative research conducted from February 2025 to July 2025. Various formulas containing different concentrations of quinoa grain flour and fonio grain flour were developed and analysed, to assess the impact of substituting quinoa grain flour or fonio grain flour to maize in a basic infant formula, called Nutrimix, already marketed by Togolese Institute of Agronomic Research. The cereals used to supplement Nutrimix flour were selected using a reasoned approach. Various substitutions were experienced to increase the mineral content of the final formula, especially Iron and zinc, most problematic nutrients during the complementary feeding of infants, with Copper and Calcium, expected to help meet Codex Alimentarius requirement. Five (5) formulas were developed by substituting maize with quinoa at different quantity of the final formula: 50 g of quinoa for Q1, 100 g for Q2, 150 g for Q3, 200 g for Q4 and 316 g for Q5. The same method was used for the five (5) formulas with fonio. These formulas were analysed to determine their nutritional profile, then compared to the Nutrimix formula using Student Test of means comparison. The best formula that increased Nutrimix micronutrient content was determined based on three (3) criteria: availability of the crop, significative difference of composition with Nutrimix and higher mineral content. Results: comparison of fonio and quinoa formulas to the Nutrimix shows a significant increased iron (4.58 to 59.19 mg/kg), zinc (19.03 to 27.4 mg/kg), sodium (65.59 to 90.52 mg/kg), and copper (Conclusion: Partial substitution of maize with quinoa and fonio significantly improved essential mineral content in infant porridges and represents a promising strategy for fighting against micronutrient deficiencies.
VL  - 15
IS  - 5
ER  -

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