Women's menstrual health requires adequate nutritional support to address physiological challenges including anaemia, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. This study focused on developing a ready-to-eat functional soup composition incorporating banana inflorescence (Musa paradisiaca) enriched with essential micronutrients to support menstrual wellness. Four formulations were developed with varying ratios of banana inflorescence flakes, micronutrient premixes, and nutraceutical excipients. Formulation optimization was conducted through organoleptic evaluation, proximate analysis, mineral profiling, and shelf-life assessment. The optimized formulation contained banana inflorescence (22%), arrowroot starch (37%), and a traditional spice blend (20%), delivering 6-8 mg iron, 25-30 mg vitamin C, 80-100 mcg folate, 150-200 mg calcium, and 50-70 mg magnesium per serving. Proximate composition revealed energy (342 kcal/100g), protein (24.6 g/100g), carbohydrates (58.3 g/100g), dietary fibre (8.2 g/100g), and moisture (6.5 g/100g). The product demonstrated acceptable sensory attributes and remained microbiologically stable for 60 days when stored in glass containers at ambient temperature. This nutritionally fortified instant soup mix offers a convenient, plant-based dietary intervention to combat menstrual-related nutrient deficiencies and enhance women's reproductive wellness.
Keywords: Banana inflorescence; Functional food; Menstrual health; Micronutrient fortification; Nutraceutical; Ready-to-eat soup; Women's nutrition.
How to cite this article: Siva D, Shirke U, Vedavyas, Singh R, Development and Nutritional Evaluation of a Ready-to-Eat Banana Inflorescence Nutraceutical Soup Mix with Synergistic Micronutrient Fortification for Menstrual Health Support. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2s): 519-530; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.519-530