Abstract
Biofortification interventions have the potential to combat micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is prevalent in Zimbabwe. The poor acceptability of provitamin A (PVA)-biofortified maize is still a challenge that exists in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the effect of replacing white maize (WM) with PVA-biofortified maize on the nutritional composition of mutwiwa, a Zimbabwean traditional food, and its microbiological safety. Chemical and microbiological tests were conducted using AOAC standard methods. Total carotene content was 12.78 µg/g dry weight (DW) in PVA-biofortified maize and 1.52 µg/g DW in WM. The proximate composition of PVA-biofortified mutwiwa (PVABM) was 5.2, 28.6, 2.1, 62.2, and 2.0 g/100 g wet basis (w.b) for protein, carbohydrates fiber, moisture, and ash, respectively. Total soluble solids, β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin A contents were 3.6 (o)Brix, 110 µg/100 g, 0.54 mg/100 g, and 9 µg REA/100 g, respectively. Lysine, phenylalanine, and histidine contents were 0.71, 1.15, and 0.56 g/100 g w.b, respectively. Iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc content were 7.8, 60.5, 410.8, and 60 mg/100 g w.b, respectively. Mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, yeast, and molds were all <1 Log CFU/ml. The nutritional, amino acid and mineral contents were significantly different (p < .05). In conclusion, the results of this study were satisfying and recommend the processing of PVA-biofortified maize as a potential strategy to combat VAD and mineral malnutrition in Zimbabwe and other regions in Sub-Saharan Africa.