Evaluation Of Peanut Paste Supplement for Children in South Africa

Abstract

Excess and deficiency of nutrients are frequent in South Africa. In both children and adults, a ready-to-eat supplement of Peanut paste has the potential to alleviate protein-energy lack. However, the fact that this is true raises problems concerning its composition, physical properties, consumer acceptance, and financial viability for use. In this case study, participants were asked to describe their views and attitudes regarding Peanut paste and the height/weight viability of using peanut paste among children.

Keywords: Peanut butter, South Africa, Children. 

Evaluation Of Peanut Paste Supplement for Children in South Africa

Introduction

For children under nine years old in South Africa, the majority are underweight, while for teenagers, a smaller percentage are overweight or obese. People's tendency to be underweight decreases with age, while their tendency to be fat rises (Bilici, Ayhan, Karabudak, and Koksal, 2020; Parker et al., 2020). Overall, the population is moving in the same direction. Being overweight is more common in women than men as they get older. Micronutrient deficiencies in South African teenagers, such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiency, are also frequent in the country's populace (Das, Salam, Saeed, Kazmi, and Bhutta, 2020; Hooper et al., 2022). Two-thirds of children lacked adequate vitamin A, according to the National Foundation for Child and Family Health, while one-seventh were iron-deficient and 45.3% were zinc-deficient (Mabasaa, Mabapa, Joosteb, and Mbhenyane, 2019; Naidoo, Maharajh, and Balakrishna, 2021; Du Plessis et al., 2021). According to the provided data for this analysis, just 58 percent of teens showed that they had any limits on what they could do.

Aims and Objectives

As a treatment for malnutrition, peanut paste is expected to prove successful when tested. After figuring out the peanut paste's nutrient composition, this reasearch figures out children's growth morphology. The results of this study will be used to establish whether or not Peanut paste is suitable for both healthy children.

Methods

A quantitative and qualitative exploratory cross-sectional investigation was carried out to gather the data. The experimental designs used in the lab were used to acquire the quantitative data. The peanut paste, features, acceptance of participants with various health conditions, and practicality of use for nutrition rehabilitation were all quantitatively evaluated. Qualitative methods such as focus groups were employed to gain information regarding caregivers' views and attitudes toward peanut paste.

There were three stages to the investigation: peanut paste's nutritional composition, color, and texture were no issues in phase one. However, the taste and texture were acceptable in phase two. It was determined that peanut paste's acceptance among children of different health statuses was measured, while the acceptability among children with similar health statuses was quantified. In the second phase, teenagers at risk or already experiencing malnutrition were asked about their attitudes and beliefs about Peanut paste using qualitative approaches; and a review of studies on the cost of rehabilitating malnourishment using a peanut-based was undertaken. Peanut paste samples with different nutrient compositions and physical properties and a peanut butter control were studied.

A five-point facial hedonic rating scale evaluated peanut paste's acceptability among healthy teenagers. Teenagers' perceptions of peanut paste were elicited through focus groups. Families of children who were either malnourished or in danger of malnutrition worked together with the people who looked after them. The economic viability of using Peanut paste for nutritional rehabilitation was evaluated based on available data. The gross energy of the samples was measured using an automatic calorimeter by the instrument's instructions. A new method developed by the LMSGrowth Software was used to determine the crude fat content of samples.

LMSGrowth Software extracted z-scores for length/height and weight. A detergent-resistant. Using neutral detergent fiber, the fiber content of the models examined was determined. The LMSGrowth Software approved technique for analyzing z-scores. It also evaluated the impact of a nutrition intervention on child growth parameters by calculating differences in z-scores between time points.

In this study, analyzing specific micronutrients was not possible. The sample size determined that peanut paste's nutritional composition, color, and texture were all excellent. Because it was limited, the study's conclusions suggest that it did not represent the views of all South Africans. A small number of people participated in the focus group discussions.

Results

Researchers found that peanut paste contains 2,624 kilojoules per 100 grams of protein and high caloric content. The UN Children's Fund recommends that Peanut paste's nutritional profile be in line with those of these organizations (Lama et al., 2021; Tamuzi et al., 2021). A brown tint was detected in peanut and peanut butter, with peanut paste being somewhat lighter than peanut butter. For the same reasons as peanut butter's spreadability and hardness, peanut paste possesses the same properties (Kamath, Basak, and Gokhale, 2021; Akande, Oluwamukomi, Osundahunsi, Ijarotimi, and Mukisa, 2022). Healthy children benefited from Peanut paste in z-scores. Children in healthy surroundings loved the smell, taste, and texture of peanut paste. However, when peanut paste is half its present z-test, teenagers are often ready to buy it (de Freitas Floriano, Gräbin, Rossi, Ferreira, and Ziegler, 2020; Balasubramanian, Mariappan, Lourdusamy, Chinnamuthu, and Swetha, 2020). Despite its high z-test and widespread belief, the caregivers did not consider peanut paste. A financial feasibility study found that feeding a child through peanut paste would cost more (Luongo, Tarasuk, Yi, and Mah, 2022; Zhang, Cavender, Lewandowski, Cox, and Paton, 2020). More teenagers did not enjoy Peanut paste than those in the healthy group, but there were also fewer. Young people were more likely to detest peanut paste's taste than aroma when compared. After the flavor, taste, and color, Peanut paste's scent was the favorite of the healthy group. Peanut paste's flavor, fragrance, and mouthfeel were the most famous attributes among the group's young people.

Discussion

In as much as peanut paste is a more expensive option, the product's z-test must be decreased to use peanut paste as part of nutrition intervention programs. Children's nutritional status in South Africa has worsened since food fortification was introduced in 2003 (Govender, Pillay, Siwela, Modi, and Mabhaudhi, 2021; Bako, 2018). There is a widespread belief that poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic are to blame for this decline in nutritional health. As long as products like Peanut paste exist to aid the nutritional quality of specific demographics such as seniors, research into these products must continue (Awuchi, Igwe, and Amagwula, 2020; Kouadio, Koffi, and Konan, 2019). Much work is involved in performing scientific research, and the results are not always immediately available. It is likely that products like Peanut paste, which have significant anecdotal evidence to support their efficacy, will not be extensively adopted in the absence of scientific research (Boli, Kambire, Zoue, and Koffi Nevry, 2020; van Stuijvenberg et al., 2019; Oh, Keats, and Bhutta, 2020). A height/weight z-test of peanut paste was the goal of this investigation. Peanut paste's nutritional composition and physical properties were examined as part of this inquiry and whether or not it is palatable to customers.

Conclusion

Peanut paste is a good source of energy and high-quality protein for children and the people who care for them. Based on the findings presented here, peanut paste can reduce protein-energy malnutrition in the target groups and improve the height and weight of the participants. 

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Appendix

Data