Energy and Nutrient Concentrations of Water Buffalo Milk and Liquid and Dried Whey: Potential Dietary Supplement to Address Malnutrition in Lao PDR

Abstract

Abstract Objectives In Lao PDR, 33.5% of children <5 years are stunted, 26% are underweight and 8% are severely wasted. Nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children often requires dietary protein (PRO) and energy supplementation. Water buffalo (WB) native to SE Asia produce milk with more fat and PRO than dairy cow (DC) milk. Although WB milk is not typically consumed in Lao, it is used to make cheese. Whey, a byproduct of cheese production and a source of PRO and energy, is currently discarded in Lao. We analyzed and compared energy and macronutrient concentrations of WB milk and liquid and dried acid whey to DC milk and acid whey data in the 2020 USDA nutrient database to determine potential as a locally-sourced protein supplement. Methods WB milk and whey samples were obtained from the Lao Buffalo Dairy in Lao PDR. Nutrient analysis was performed by Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Crude PRO and fat concentrations were measured by Kjeldahl and Soxtec™ technology, respectively; and carbohydrate (CHO) and energy concentrations were calculated by weight-difference and standard equations. Results WB milk contained 4.5 ± 0.0 g PRO, 7.6 ± 0.3 g fat, 5.2 ± 0.3 g CHO and 107 ± 3 kcals per 100 g milk. WB liquid acid whey contained 0.8 ± 0.3 g PRO, 0.6 ± 0.2 g fat, 5.4 ± 0.3 g CHO and 29.6 ± 2.1 kcals per 100 g whey. WB dried acid whey contained 9.4 ± 3.3 g PRO, 6.5 ± 1.8 g fat, 70 ± 4.9 g CHO and 376 ±13 kcals per 100 g dried whey. PRO (P < 0.01), fat (P < 0.01) and energy (P < 0.01) concentrations were higher in WB than DC milk. Energy (P < 0.01) and fat (P < 0.01) concentrations were higher in WB than DC liquid acid whey. Energy concentration (P < 0.01) was higher in WB than DC dried acid whey; PRO concentrations were not different (P > 0.14) but met USDA PRO powder criteria of 7 g PRO/100 g dried whey. Conclusions WB milk and liquid and dried acid whey contain sufficient amounts of PRO, fat and energy to develop a locally-sourced nutritional supplement to rehabilitate malnourished children. Funding Sources Funding for this research was supported by the OHSU Foundation, OHSU Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition, Vejdusit Foundation, and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services. WB milk and whey samples were generously donated by the Lao Water Buffalo Dairy in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.