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This study was done to evaluate the effect of short exposure to sunlight and of heating on crude palm oil (CPO) quality particularly on its carotenoids content. Firstly, CPO was exposed to sunlight for 14 hrs. Then, samples were collected and kept at 4°C for analysis of carotenoids content, free fatty acid (FFA) and peroxide value (PV). Secondly, CPO was heated at 50°C, 120°C, 200°C or 400°C for 30 min, 60 min or 120 min and samples were cooled down and kept at 4°C until analysis of carotenoids content, FFA and PV. Finally, we studied the effect of heating of CPO in the food matrix (maize cake). Thus, maize cake was steamed on gas stove (100 ± 5°C) during exactly 1, 2, 3 or 4h and kept at 4°C until analysis of moisture and carotenoids contents. The results showed that short exposure to sunlight did not significantly affect carotenoids content, FFA and PV of CPO. However, heating accelerated the formation of peroxides and degradation of carotenoids. Destruction of carotenoids increased with both temperature and duration of exposure to heat. FFA did not significantly change during heating. Likewise, during heating of CPO in the food matrix, carotenoids content decreased significantly with cooking time. These results suggest that short exposure to sunlight does not have a significant effect on carotenoids content of CPO. But, its heating (directly or in the food matrix) results in significant degradation of carotenoids.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and functional properties of powder from 2 Cameroonians squash pulp species (Cucurbita moschata Yellow and Orange pulp, and Cucurbita pepo orange pulp) and squash pulp-base biscuit to promote the integration of squash in the diet to help fight against micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases Methodology: The squash were cleaned and the pulp was blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes and dried at 60 °C for 24 h. The dried pulp was then finely crushed and sieved to obtain the powder. The proximal composition, the levels of macronutrients, vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals were determined as well as the functional properties. The powder sample with the highest carotenoid content was substituted by wheat flour in the proportions 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% for the biscuit formulation. Sensory properties (color, taste and overall acceptability) and total carotenoids content of the biscuit were then evaluated. Results: The nutrient contents per 100g of powder were 1.65g, 6.38-23.36 mg, 15.70-20.54 mg, 102.56-119.65 mg respectively for crude fibers, total carotenoids, vitamin C and potassium. Water absorption capacity (WAC), Water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC) varied from 7.50-8.25, 3.35-6.05 and 1.02-2.04 respectively. Values of swelling capacity (SC) and water solubility index (WSI) varied from 119-140 and 15-17.63, 314-348 and 22.33-24.9, 388-459 and 35.08-38.75 at room temperature, 65°C and 95°C respectively. Sensory analysis of the biscuits showed that the biscuit made with 10% of squash powder was the most appreciated and contained 2.29 mg/100g of total carotenoids. Conclusion: Regular consumption of these Cameroonians squash pulp powder or foods formulated with them could help to combat nutritional disease.

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Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among infant and young children remain a public health problem in Cameroon. This study was designed to assess the current food behaviors and nutritional status of children aged 6 to 24 months in Douala (Cameroon). A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out for a period of 9 months at a Health Care Center and four district hospitals in Douala. The study was conducted among 333 children aged 6-24 months of both sexes together with their mothers or caregivers. Data were collected using a modified questionnaire developed by the FAO/WHO. Information on socio-demographic status, feeding habits and anthropometric parameters were recorded. Anthropometric measurements taken included weight, length, brachial perimeter and age. Subsequently, a blood sample was taken to measure the hemoglobin level in children whose mothers had given their consent, using the Hemocue Hb 301 method. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. A P value ≤0.05 was considered as significant. Z-score classifications for malnutrition: weight for length, length for age and weight for age were compared with reference data from WHO standards. This study showed that: only 19.53%, 27.33% and 30.6% respectively of the children had a high dietary diversity score, a high meal frequency. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 22.52% and 26.43% of children were breastfed within one hour after birth. Furthermore, the study showed that, 25.8%, 23.1%, 27% and 35.1% of children were underweight, wasted, stunted and anemic respectively. Among them, 28.8% and 6.3% were suffering of mild anemia and moderate anemia respectively. Moreover, no significant relationship was observed between nutritional status of children and socio-demographic characteristics of mothers (P>0.05). Some of the feeding practices were associated with poor nutritional status and could be improved with good nutrition education programs.