Development and study of the nutritional value and storage stability of a soft cottage cheese product enriched with collagen and antioxidant-rich plant extracts

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This study investigates the development of a novel soft cottage cheese product enriched with collagen concentrate from poultry processing by-products and antioxidant-rich plant extracts for the adaptive nutrition of athletes. Collagen concentrate was obtained from chicken skin, bone tissue, and feet through enzymatic hydrolysis and freeze-drying. Antioxidant-rich extracts were prepared from sea buckthorn and cinnamon rosehip using ethanol extraction. The plant extract demonstrated high antioxidant potential, containing 1.98% phenolic compounds, 29.8 mg/100g vitamin A, 48.9 mg/100g vitamin E, and 756.4 mg/100g vitamin C. The antioxidant extract demonstrated significant immune-boosting effects in experimental rats by enhancing lymphocyte and T-cell counts. Various ratios of collagen concentrate and plant extract were tested in the cottage cheese product. Optimal water-holding capacity and effective viscosity were achieved with a 6:4 or 8:4 collagen-to-extract ratio, balancing collagen’s gelation properties with the antioxidant benefits. The addition of 8% dry collagen concentrate and 4% sea buckthorn and rosehip extract resulted in an enhanced nutritional profile, particularly through increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), vitamins A, C, E, and essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Storage stability studies indicated optimal preservation of product structure at 0-2°C for up to 96 hours, maintaining a viscosity loss coefficient between 15.0-15.8%. This enhanced soft cottage cheese product demonstrates improved nutritional profiles and antioxidant properties while maintaining structural stability, making it a promising functional food for athletes and health-conscious consumers.