UN develops protein rich cookies

In fact, Ensin shows figures in which 21% of the children do not consume enough protein, situation that is causing growth problems in 28% of them due to the lack of these proteins in their diet. These circumstances happen even though flour is enriched with iron (44 mg/kg) and other nutrients, due to Decree 1944 of 1996.

Researchers have detected that some of the deficiencies happen since the acquisition of protein sources is limited for some social strata (Colombian system of classification by economic status). For this reason, it is necessary to create complementary products for children"s diets.

This variety, created by Carolina Alejandra Ordóñez Pedroza, a student of the specialization workshop in functional food of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, is called Cebritas. They come in different flavors such as chocolate and vanilla in a veined design, with a crunchy texture, and easy to handle and transport for young children.

In addition, these cookies are an excellent source of iron, since 18 mg of this chemical element were added to the recipe, which is important considering that 33% of the population in the country suffers from iron deficiency anemia, that is to say, deficiency of iron in the blood.