Nutritional composition evaluation with emphasis on the lipid quality of infant formulas

Abstract

Infant formulas play a crucial role in the nutrition of non-breastfed infants, providing essential nutrients for their healthy development. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition and lipid profile of commercial infant formulas intended for infants up to six months of age, assessing whether their composition aligns with dietary recommendations for this age group. To achieve this, we determined the macronutrient composition and lipid profile through proximate analysis, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, to confirm whether these formulas meet the established requirements. Although there were distinctions in quality and composition offered, through the proximate composition it was revealed that 66.66 % of the formulas met the recommendations for protein and lipid content. Additionally, the lipid composition of these formulas comprises a variety of fatty acids, primarily composed of triacylglycerols, supplemented through vegetable oils, fish oil, and coconut oil, in an effort to resemble the lipid quality of human milk. Gas chromatography demonstrated a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids in the formulas evaluated, suggesting that the lipid composition of predominant breast milk was successfully reproduced. To ensure adequate nutritional balance for newborns, nutritional guidelines establish standards for infant feeding through specific recommendations. These results are of utmost importance for the infant food industry, providing insights for the continuous improvement of the nutritional quality of infant formulas, aiming to ensure the healthy and proper development of children from the early months of life, contributing to their long-term well-being.