Biological and Organoleptic Evaluation of Milk Chocolate Fortified with Calcium Mass from Chicken Eggshells

Abstract

Background: Calcium deficiency is prevailing all over the globe, resulting in bone related disorders. In this context, chicken eggshells are the sustainable source of Ca in the form of calcium carbonate.

Aim: To assess the effect of chicken eggshells in milk chocolate for nutritional and sensory quality alongside its bio-efficacy is assessed through animal modelling.

Methodology: Chicken eggshells and milk chocolate (control) was studied for proximate composition. Chicken eggshells @ 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% were incorporated in milk chocolate and tested for mineral profile and sensory acceptability against control (milk chocolate with no eggshell powder). Later on, the best selected percentage of chicken eggshell powder i.e. 4% was further evaluated using rats to check its impact on serum, urine and tibias calcium content. 

Results: The proximate composition of chicken eggshell indicated 92.16±4.03% ash and 3.89±0.18% protein however, Ca content in chicken eggshell was found to be 36.12±1.78%. Amongst different treatments varying with eggshell powder from 1-5%, it was found that the proportion of chicken eggshell is directly proportional to the nutritive value of the prepared milk chocolate however inverse relation was noted with respect to sensory acceptability. Overall, 4% eggshell powder-based milk chocolate indicated better sensory acceptability of the prepared food prototype. In animal study, inclusion of chicken eggshell powder in animal diet resulted in significant rise in serum and tibias Ca levels; 11.48 and 39.13%, respectively on 30th day however, non-substantial variations were recorded with respect to urinary calcium level.

Conclusions: It is deduced that incorporation of chicken eggshell powder in milk chocolate resulted in better nutritive value with special focus on Ca content and higher acceptability at the rate of 4%. Besides, its inclusion in diet @ 4% improved the serum and tibias Ca levels in the rats hence considered effective controlling bone disorders.