In vitro determination of the protein quality of maize varieties cultivated in Malawi using the INFOGEST digestion method.

There is an urgent need to alleviate protein deficiencies in low-income countries where cereal-based diets dominate. The objective of this study was to use the INFOGEST static digestion method and a recently established analytical workflow to determine the in vitro amino acid digestibility and protein quality of seven maize varieties grown in Malawi. Protein quality was measured using the in vitro digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS).

Hydrothermally-treated soybean-fortified maize-based (stiff porridge) could contribute towards alleviating seasonal body weight loss in farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: This study explored the use of hydrothermally-treated soybean-fortified maize-based stiff porridge (nsima) in managing body weight losses among the farming family community in Malawi during the labour-intensive cropping (growing) season. We hypothesized that soybean-fortified maize-based nsima could prevent seasonal body weight losses in farming communities during labour-intensive seasons better than conventional 100% maize nsima.

Research Methods & Procedures: A single-blind parallel dietary intervention 90-day study.

Reduction of aflatoxins during brewing of a Malawian maize-based non-alcoholic beverage, .

This study reports onthe effect of various production steps on levels of aflatoxins during preparation of , a traditional maize-based fermented non-alcoholic beverage, brewed across Malawi. The effect of boiling, fermentation and their interaction on the level of aflatoxins, the trends of aflatoxin reduction during brewing, and the distribution of aflatoxins between the solid and liquid phases of the beverage were studied using VICAM AflaTest immunoaffinity fluorometric assay. Fermenting and boiling , with initial aflatoxin content of 45-183 μg/kg, resulted in aflatoxin reduction of 47% (13-61 μg/kg) on average.

Biofortified Maize Improves Selenium Status of Women and Children in a Rural Community in Malawi: Results of the Addressing Hidden Hunger With Agronomy Randomized Controlled Trial.

Selenium deficiency is widespread in the Malawi population. The selenium concentration in maize, the staple food crop of Malawi, can be increased by applying selenium-enriched fertilizers. It is unknown whether this strategy, called agronomic biofortification, is effective at alleviating selenium deficiency.

Examining study participants' decision-making and ethics-related experiences in a dietary community randomized controlled trial in Malawi.

Background: The participant recruitment process is a key ethical pivot point when conducting robust research. There is a need to continuously review and improve recruitment processes in research trials and to build fair and effective partnerships between researchers and participants as an important core element in ensuring the ethical delivery of high-quality research. When participants make a fair, informed, and voluntary decision to enroll in a study, they agree to fulfill their roles.

Preparing for a community-based agriculture-to-nutrition trial in rural Malawi: formative research to assess feasibility and inform design and implementation decisions.

Background: This study reports findings from formative research conducted to assess the feasibility and inform the design and implementation of the Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial. The AHHA trial was a randomised, controlled trial conducted in rural Malawi, in which participants were given maize flour biofortified with selenium or control flour not biofortified with selenium for a period of 10 weeks, after which blood samples were taken to measure selenium status.

Methods: Formative research was conducted in villages near to the AHHA trial study site 1 year before the planned intervention.

Can selenium deficiency in Malawi be alleviated through consumption of agro-biofortified maize flour? Study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies including selenium (Se) are widespread in Malawi and potentially underlie a substantial disease burden, particularly among poorer and marginalised populations. Concentrations of Se in staple cereal crops can be increased through application of Se fertilisers - a process known as agronomic biofortification (agro-biofortification) - and this may contribute to alleviating deficiencies. The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial aims to establish the efficacy of this approach for improving Se status in rural Malawi.

Reduced Morbidity Motivated Adoption of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices after Nutrition Education Intervention in Rural Malawi.

This study assessed caregivers' knowledge and practices and factors that influence the adoption of improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices after nutrition education in Kasungu and Mzimba districts among 198 caregivers. Mixed-methods convergent-parallel design, including knowledge tests, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews in the intervention areas, was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data were analyzed using count regression and content analysis, which showed that knowledge increased among caregivers after nutrition education.