Protein Fortification of Corn Tortillas: Effects on Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutritional Value and Acceptance

Abril Lecuona-Villanueva, David A. Betancur-Ancona, Luis A. Chel-Guerrero, Arturo F. Castellanos-Ruelas

Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Autonomous University of Yucatán, Campus of the Faculties of Engineering and Math Sciences, Mérida, México..

DOI: 10.4236/fns.2012.312217                

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the texture of corn dough as well as the nutritional quality and acceptance of corn cakes (tortillas) made either with a readymade commercial corn flour (CCF) or with a traditional way (nixtamal) both fortified with lys + tryp (L + T) or with a protein concentrate from Phaseolus lunatus added with L + T (PC + L + T). All treatments were analyzed to investigate the physical properties of the dough and tortillas as well as their physicochemical and nutritional quality. Results showed that cohesion was affected (p < 0.05) in the fortified tortillas made with CCF decreasing from 34.3 to 28.4 and 27.4 N for Control, L + T and PC + L + T, respectively; tortillas made with nixtamal showed no difference. Adhesion was not affected by treatments. Weight loss increased only in the fortified tortillas made with CCF (p < 0.05). Rolling capacity was not affected by fortification. The tension of tortillas increased with the fortification being the highest value 0.96 N. Color was not affected in tortillas made with CCF (p < 0.05); changes observed in those made with nixtamal remained in an acceptable range. In vitro digestibility was improved by the fortification obtaining the highest values in tortillas made with CCF and fortified with PC + L + T. Acceptance was greater for tortillas fortified with L+T alone. Protein fortification of tortillas made with either CCF or nixtamal is feasible using either L + T together or in combination with a PC from Phaseolus lunatus improving their nutritional value without negative effects on their physicochemical characteristics or acceptance.

Keywords

Tortilla; Amino Acids; Child Malnutrition; Fortification

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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