Nutritional Composition of Some Selected Commercial Juice Made in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrient-fortified food play a crucial role in addressing nutritional deficiencies among infants and children, making them more appealing for consumption. Research focuses on baby foods, particularly reconstituted juice drink, which serve as significant sources of essential minerals and vitamins. However, the nutrient composition of these products varies, leading to differences in quality. The objective of this study is to assess the disparities in the nutritional content of various children's juice drink available in the Nigerian market.

Methods: Proximate analysis was carried out according to the standard procedure of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) to evaluate the nutritional composition of the selected juice drink. Minerals content were determined using Atomic Absorption and Flame Spectroscopy Techniques. The determination of the Vitamin A content in the samples was conducted following a modified Spectrophotometric Method. For Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), the Vitamin C content in the samples was assessed utilizing a Spectrometric Method coupled with 2,4 Dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) procedures.

Results: Examination of the proximate and mineral analyses of ten chosen fruit juice brands revealed notable variations. Capri sonne exhibited the highest moisture content at 94.2%, while Hollandia Yogurt has the lowest at 81.3%. Chapman, Nutri Milk, and Viju Apple Flavor Milk shared the highest ash content at 0.5%, whereas Hollandia Malt, Piko Orange, and Piko Strawberry displayed the lowest at 0.01%. Nestle Malt boasted the highest crude protein concentration at 4.38%, with Capri sonne recorded the lowest at 0.18%. Hollandia Yogurt and Hollandia Malt demonstrated the highest crude fiber content, while Vitavite Multivi, Piko Orange, and Piko Strawberry showed the lowest. Regarding total carbohydrates, Hollandia Yogurt topped the list at 14.6%, while Vitavite Multivi ranked lowest at 6.57%. Nestle Millo contained the highest vitamin C content at 25.7%, whereas Piko Strawberry has the lowest at 3.82%. Caprosonne registered the highest vitamin A content at 0.6%. In terms of mineral analysis, Hollandia Yogurt exhibited the highest sodium percentage at 22.6mg/g, while Nestle led in calcium, iron, and magnesium content at 120.4mg/g, 1.7mg/g, and 25.5mg/g, respectively. It can therefore be inferred from the outcome of this study that, Milo Nestle is the best drink for children due to its higher protein, carbohydrate, vitamins (A and C) and minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Na) contents, followed by Hollandia Malt as compared to other juice studied.