This work aimed to evaluate Moringa oleifera immature pod flour’s effect on the nutritional content and bioaccessibility of phytochemicals in partially substituted wheat flour breads. Different bread preparations were made and the most accepted formulation by panelists was chosen for this study. The composition of macro-components, the content of polyphenolic compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of the samples were measured. The bioaccessibility of polyphenolic compounds associated with dietary fiber was also analyzed. Finally, an in vitro kinetics on the release of the polyphenolic compounds was conducted. Breads containing 13% of flour from M. oleifera immature pods presented the highest acceptance among the substituted breads; meantime, its dietary fiber content was three times higher than white breads. Also, the content of polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity was higher in the substituted bread, compared to the white ones. Soluble fiber correlated with the increase of polyphenolic compound concentrations in both substituted and white breads. The most significant in vitro release of phenolic compounds was shown in those prepared with M. oleifera. Taken together, the results demonstrated that breads partially substituted with M. oleifera pod flour exhibited the highest nutrient and phytochemical content along with a better bioaccessibility.

Keywords: Dietary fiber; Functional food; Non-conventional food; Wheat-based bread; Polyphenolic compounds