Maize Toast Enriched with Quelite Flour (Amaranthus hybridus) as an Alternative for Malnutrition in a Mouse Model

Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern, especially in vulnerable populations. Developing nutrient-dense foods with culturally relevant ingredients may offer effective solutions to mitigate its impact. This study evaluated the nutritional, biochemical, and histological effects of maize toast enriched with Amaranthus hybridus (quelite) flour in a murine model of malnutrition. BALB/c mice were subjected to 50% food restriction for three weeks and then re-fed for three weeks with maize toast formulations: white maize (WT), purple maize (PT), and their respective versions enriched with 10% quelite flour (WQT and PQT). Parameters assessed included body weight, blood glucose, organ weights, oxidative stress markers (catalase activity, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation), plasma protein and thiols, and liver histology. Malnutrition led to significant reductions in weight, glycemia, antioxidant defenses, and liver integrity. Nutritional rehabilitation with toast formulations reversed these effects. The PQT group demonstrated the most notable improvements in body weight, glycemic control, plasma proteins and thiol levels. Histological analysis also confirmed improved liver architecture across all treated groups. These results indicate that maize toast enriched with quelite flour supports physiological and metabolic recovery from malnutrition. This culturally relevant, plant-based formulation may serve as a sustainable dietary strategy to combat undernutrition in vulnerable populations.