New aspects on nutraceutical formulations of whey protein concentrate sweetened with steviol glycosides for patients with non-communicable diseases

Abstract

The current paper aimed to highlight new aspects of nutraceuticals with proven health benefits for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Four nutraceutical formulations were structured scientifically according to the Indian Standard (IS: 8220/1976) for “Specification for Protein-Rich Concentrated Nutrient Supplementary Foods”. High-quality milk derivatives with considerable protein content (10g protein/serving) rich in essential amino acids with valuable branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) reaching about 18% of total amino acids content and calcium content 325 mg/serving were included in whey protein concentrate (WPC) and skim milk powder (SMP). Zero-calorie artificial sweetener steviol glycosides (SGs) from a natural source (stevia leaf extract) were added with vitamins, minerals, and natural flavors. One of the new aspects is the valuable nutrient-nutrient interaction, as in the synergistic effect between WPC and SGs. Also, the presence of natural flavors (vanilla-cinnamon-coffee-raw cocoa) has great effects with their contents of bioactive components and antioxidants. Valuable applications of these nutraceuticals were discussed here to show their medicinal benefits with regular consumption by patients with NCDs and those with special food needs, such as in malnourished people, pregnant and lactating women, adolescents, and athletes to improve their physical activity, mentality, and overall performance summed up in the term of improving quality of life (QoL). Research design was carried out by applying evidence-based approaches. Well-structured scientific publications were examined thoroughly to collect updated information about using these nutraceuticals as adjuvant therapy in the treatment protocols for patients with NCDs.