PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT BY INCORPORATING UNRIPENED AEGLE MARMELOS (BAEL) FOR DIARROHEA STRICKEN CHILDREN

ABSTRACT Diarrhea among young children accounts for four to five million deaths annually, and is the single most important cause of death amongst them. This study was carried out with the objective of developing a range of antidiarrheal beverages for diarrhea stricken children by incorporating ripened bael fruit pulp, which is known for its individualistic functional quality; at various percentage levels and to conduct sensory and nutritional analysis of the same. The sensory evaluation results revealed that all the products were palatable, but the overall acceptability of 5% bull beverage was very good and its color and appearance was appropriate. Other beverages were moderately liked by the semi-trained panel. Beverages could be stored in refrigerator for 2 weeks. Beverages did not contain fat and negligible amount of protein was present. Ascorbic acid level in the beverage was found to be low, i.e., 0.3–1.1 mg. Therefore, these bell beverages could be considered appropriate for diarrhea stricken children in the acute phase of the disease.