Baby Cereals Research Articles

Browning indicators in model systems and baby cereals.

In many countries, baby cereals are the first solid food given to 3-4-month-old babies after weaning and to infants aged 6-12 months. Various simple technologies are traditionally used in the processing of cereals, including toasting, hydrolysis, and drying. In this study color and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) assays have been used to evaluate heat effects induced during the manufacture of these foods. The baby cereals analyzed were wheat, rice, oat, and four mixtures of flours. No HMF was detected in the raw flours. Toasting the flours increased HMF values by between 1.1 and 4.53 mg/kg and color (DeltaE) values by 2.51-9.34. The drying step increased HMF values by between 1.14 and 19.60 mg/kg. High values of HMF coincided with the addition of ingredients containing HMF. Color and HMF contents in sugar-amino acid model systems were much higher than in sugar systems at temperatures >100 degrees C and low moisture content.

National outbreak of Salmonella senftenberg associated with infant food.

Eight cases of Salmonella senftenberg infection in infants were identified in the first half of 1995 in England, five were indistinguishable S. senftenberg strains. A case-control study showed an association between illness and consumption of one brand of baby cereal (P = 0.03). The cereal manufacturer reported isolating S. senftenberg in June 1994 from an undistributed cereal batch. Outbreak strains and the cereal strain were all plasmid-free in contrast to other human isolates of S. senftenberg in the same period. Changes in the production process were implemented to prevent further contamination. Surveillance centres should strengthen the detection and investigation of outbreaks of gastrointestinal infection in susceptible groups, especially young children. In this outbreak, the study of only five cases led to identification of the vehicle of infection. Even when few cases are reported, epidemiological investigation in conjunction with molecular typing may lead to public health action which prevents continuing or future outbreaks.

Could the Dumas Method Replace the Kjeldahl Digestion for Nitrogen and Crude Protein Determinations in Foods?

Increased demand for determinations of nitrogen (N), and hence crude protein (CP), has led to wider use of the Dumas method in place of the traditional Kjeldahl methods. Although Kjeldahl N (KN) and Dumas N (DN) represent different N fractions, published studies on infant formula, animal feed and meat products have indicated that DN could replace KN with little practical impact on the reliability of the N values obtained. This study was conducted to establish whether DN determination could replace that of KN in a broader range of foods for CP calculation. Statistical analysis was performed on in-house assayed KN and DN values together with published KN and DN values for selected food products. In the range 0·05–6·8% N, KN may be estimated from DN with the equation: KN=1·00(P<0·01)×DN-0·09(P=0·50) (n=101, R2=0·98, P-regression<0·01). Because N levels in individual groups of food did not span the entire range of N contents, KN: DN ratios were calculated for each food group. KN: DN ratios differed significantly (R2=0·25, P<0·01) from group to group. Ratios of 1·01 for dairy, 1·00 for oilseeds, 0·99 for feed, 0·98 for infant formulas, 0·95 for cereals, 0·94 for meats, 0·89 for vegetables, 0·80 for fish and 0·73 for fruits were valid for the estimation of KN and CP using DN data. CP was independently calculated as CP1=H×KN or CP2=H×KN: DN×DN, where H is the nitrogen to protein conversion factor for the food group. Mean differences between CP1 and CP2 values were 0% for dairy, oilseeds, feed, infant formulas and baby foods, cereals, meat and meat products, vegetables and vegetable products and fruit, and 1% for fish. These results suggest that DN may replace KN for the determination of N and CP in selected food groups when appropriate coefficients are used. © 1997 SCI.

Could the Dumas Method Replace the Kjeldahl Digestion for Nitrogen and Crude Protein Determinations in Foods?

Increased demand for determinations of nitrogen (N), and hence crude protein (CP), has led to wider use of the Dumas method in place of the traditional Kjeldahl methods. Although Kjeldahl N (KN) and Dumas N (DN) represent different N fractions, published studies on infant formula, animal feed and meat products have indicated that DN could replace KN with little practical impact on the reliability of the N values obtained. This study was conducted to establish whether DN determination could replace that of KN in a broader range of foods for CP calculation. Statistical analysis was performed on in-house assayed KN and DN values together with published KN and DN values for selected food products. In the range 0.05-6.8% N, KN may be estimated from DN with the equation : KN = 1.00 (P<0.01) x DN - 0.09 (P=0.50) (n = 101, R 2 = 0.98, P-regression < 0.01). Because N levels in individual groups of food did not span the entire range of N contents, KN : DN ratios were calculated for each food group. KN : DN ratios differed significantly (R 2 = 0.25, P <0.01) from group to group. Ratios of 1.01 for dairy, 1.00 for oilseeds, 0.99 for feed, 0.98 for infant formulas, 0.95 for cereals, 0.94 for meats, 0.89 for vegetables, 0.80 for fish and 0.73 for fruits were valid for the estimation of KN and CP using DN data. CP was independently calculated as CP1 = H x KN or CP2 = H x KN : DN x DN, where H is the nitrogen to protein conversion factor for the food group. Mean differences between CPI and CP2 values were 0% for dairy, oilseeds, feed, infant formulas and baby foods, cereals, meat and meat products, vegetables and vegetable products and fruit, and 1% for fish. These results suggest that DN may replace KN for the determination of N and CP in selected food groups when appropriate coefficients are used.

A Paired Ion Liquid Chromatographic Method for Thiamine Determination in Selected Foods

Abstract A precise and selective method for determining the content of thiamine in dietetic and baby foods by reverse phase liquid chromatography with UV detection is proposed. Enzymatic extracts of food samples were subjeted to purification and preconcentration with a weak ionic exchange column (CBA) and 0.1 M BaCl2 solution as eluent. Ion-pair chromatography using a C18 column and a mixture of 5 mM sodium hexanesulphonate as counter-ion, 10−-2 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate/ phosphoric acid buffer solution, pH 2.8, and 0.1% triethylamine was employed. The thiamine was detected at 254 nm. This method was used to determine the content of thiamine in baby meals, cereals and dietetic cookies. Recovery studies showed good results and the relative standard deviation (n=10) was 2.9%.

Effect of Initial Mass on Growth and Mortality at Low pH in Tadpoles of Pseudacris clarkii and Bufo valliceps

Effect of Initial Mass on Growth and Mortality at Low pH in Tadpoles of Pseudacris clarkii and Bufo valliceps

The order of introducing solid foods into an infant's diet and future food acceptance

Infant feeding practices are based on culture and tradition. Baby cereal is typically introduced first followed by pureed fruits and/or vegetables. The purpose of this study was to determine if the order of solid food introduction has an effect on food acceptance at one year of age. Forty-three full term healthy infants were recruited from a private pediatric practice in a metropolitan city. Screening criteria for participation included: a birth weight of at least six pounds, exclusively breast or formula fed prior to the study, and absence of medical and physical problems, and first born children only. All procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Informed consent was obtained during orientation and infants were randomly assigned to one of two study groups. The order of introducing solids varied between the two groups. Group A introduced cereals followed by fruits, vegetables, and meats. Group B introduced vegetables followed by meats, cereals, and fruits. A food frequency and a meal preparation questionnaire were completed prior to starting solids. Parents were given study foods and instructions for record keeping. Three day food records were completed at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Another food frequency was completed at the end of the study along with a food acceptance questionnaire. Food intolerance was monitored throughout the study period. Validity and reliability were established for all data collection instruments. Thirty-five babies participated in the study (20 Group A, 15 Group B). The baby's mother was the primary recorder of data. At the time the babies entered the study, 9 Group A and 8 Group B babies were being breast-fed. Weight and heights were taken at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. There were no significant differences between Group A and Group B for growth. Analysis of the babies' food records showed that for Vitamin A, Group B had a significantly higher intake (p<0.05) over Group A at 4, 6, and 9 months. Vitamin C intake was significantly higher (p<0.05) for Group B at 6 and 9 months. There was no significant differences in iron intake between the two groups. The food acceptance questionnaire and the food frequency found no significant differences between the two groups. Having a baby did not change family eating patterns. This study showed that the order in which foods were introduced did not significantly effect an infant's food acceptance at one year of age.

Determination of Hydroxymethylfurfural in Baby Cereals by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A liquid chromatography method for the detection and quantification of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (HMF) in baby cereals is described. HMF was obtained by centrifugation and the supernatant was clarified by the addition of Carrez solution. The mixture was centrifuged for 5 min at 5,000 rpm. The samples were analysed on a reverse-phase C18 column and ultraviolet detector (284 nm) in isocratic elution with 95:5 water-acetonitrile. Average recovery of HMF by the standard addition method was 96.9%. The variation coefficients for three levels of concentration, (3.24, 22.82 and 65.50 ppm) were 2.40. 2.14 and 1.09% respectively. Limit of detection was ≥0.09 ppm. This method was applied by determination of HMF in commercial baby cereals.

Determination of Several Halogenated Fumigants in Cereal Products by Steam Distillation and Capillary Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection

A steam distillation procedure is described for the determination of ethylene dibromide (EDB), ethylene dichloride (EDC), and carbon tetrachloride (CT) in flour, flour-based mixes, baked cakes, breakfast cereals, and citrus fruits. A representative sample is steam distilled using a modified Garman steam distillation apparatus, the steam and volatile components are condensed, and the condensate is partitioned with hexane (EDB) or pentane (EDC and CT). The solvent extract is then injected on-column and analyzed by using a 15 m X 0.32 mm 1.0 micron DB-1701 fused-silica capillary column at 50 degrees C for EDB or a 30 m X 0.25 mm 1.0 micron DB-5 column at 35 degrees C for EDC and CT. For routine EDB determinations as low as 10 ppb, 2 g flour, flour-based mix, or breakfast cereal is distilled and partitioned into 10 mL hexane. For enhanced sensitivity, up to 10 g dry sample can be concentrated into 1 mL hexane, for detection as low as 0.1 ppb (10% FSD, 2.0 pg). Recoveries from flour spiked with 100, 5, and 0.5 ppb EDB were 98.9, 95.1, and 117%, respectively. Coefficients of variation for marketplace flour samples found to contain EDB at 122, 6.0, and 1.2 ppb were 4.6, 6.9, and 3.6%, respectively, and for baby cereal at 0.22 ppb, 4.5%. Recoveries for EDC and CT from flour spiked at 46, 94, and 140 ppb were 61, 73, and 72%, and 96, 95, and 87%, respectively. Coefficients of variation were 10.0, 7.8, and 4.8, and 8.0, 3.2, and 8.4%, respectively.

Gas Chromatographic Method for Ethylene Dibromide in Grains and Grain-Based Products: Collaborative Study

Nine laboratories analyzed samples of whole grain, intermediate, and ready-to-eat products for ethylene dibromide (EDB) residues. Supplied samples of wheat, rice, and flour contained both fortified and incurred EDB; corn bread mix, baby cereal, and bread contained only fortified EDB. The whole grains and intermediates were analyzed by the same basic procedural steps as in the official method for multifumigants: They were extracted by soaking in acetone-water (5 + 1). The baby cereal and bread were analyzed by a modification of the Rains and Holder hexane co-distillation procedure. EDB was determined by electron capture gas chromatography operated with an SP-1000 column. All products contained 3 different levels of EDB and were analyzed as blind duplicates. Overall mean recoveries ranged from 85.2% for 69.6 ppb to 105.0% for 4.35 ppb, both in baby cereal. Interlaboratory relative standard deviations ranged from 5.7% for 869 ppb in wheat to 20.2% for 69.6 ppb in baby cereal, both fortified. Mean levels of incurred EDB in wheat, rice, and flour were 926.7, 982.0, and 49.9 ppb, respectively; corresponding relative standard deviations were 9.9, 7.7, and 13.1%. The method was adopted official first action.

Volatile N-Nitrosamines in Dried Foods

An investigation was carried out to determine the levels of volatile N-nitrosamines in several dried food commodities such as malt, instant skim milk powder, infant formula containing milk powder, instant coffee, soup and soup bases, and baby cereals. The method involves vacuum distillation of the sample from 3N KOH or 1% sulfamic acid, followed by extraction of the aqueous distillate with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extract is then washed with an acidic buffer (to remove amines), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in a Kuderna-Danish concentrator, and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography, using a thermal energy analyzer. Detection limit is 0.1-0.5 ppb. Of the samples analyzed thus far, all malts (22 samples) and instant skim milk powders (11 samples ) were positive for N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA); average levels were 7.4 ppb (1.3-67.0 ppb) and 0.4 ppb (0.3-0.7 ppb), respectively. Traces of NDMA and/or N-nitrosopyrrolidine were also detected in 3 of 20 dried soups and 5 of 10 instant coffees analyzed. Traces of NDMA and/or N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) were detected in 3 of 8 powdered instant formulas. All for baby cereal samples were negative. The identity of NDMA in 14 samples of malt and that of NDMA and NPIP in a infant formula was confirmed by gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; identity of N-nitrosamines in 3 instant coffees and 1 infant formula was independently verified by high pressure liquid chromatographic analysis.

Comparison of Semiautomated and Manual Methods for the Determination of Thiamine in Baby Cereals and Infant and Dietary Formulas

Using a semiautomated method, the mean thiamine content of specific products ranged from 88 to 101% and 83 to 93% for baby cereals and infant and dietary formulas, respectively, of those obtained with the AOAC manual method. The best results were obtained when data for the semiautomated method were calculated from a standard curve obtained by using thiamine solutions which had been digested and hydrolyzed along with the samples.

Constituents in Diets for Galleria mellonella

In tests to develop a high quality, low cost diet for rearing the greater wax moth for egg production, it was found that both beeswax and honey increased cost without increasing egg production. Yeast was a desirable constituent and Wheast® was superior to baker's yeast or brewer's yeast. Wheast could be reduced to ca. 3% without adverse effects. A mixture of bran, cornmeal, and wheat flour resulted in less expensive egg production than baby cereal or a mixture of CSM® and CSMA®. Optimum proportions were: liquid to dry ingredients, 40/60; glycerin to water in the liquid ingredients, 35/65; bran to a 50/50 mixture of cornmeal and wheat flour in the dry ingredients, 40/60.

Observations on the Rearing and Maintenance of Blaberus giganteus (Orthoptera: Blaberidae)

During the past 4 years, colonies of Blaberus giganteus (L.) have been maintained in Howard University laboratories on a basic diet of Gerber's® high-protein baby cereal. Recent studies revealed marked differences in total length of nymphal periods, number of molts, and longevity of adult cockroaches reared under variable laboratory conditions as compared with results reported for cockroaches reared under constant high temperature and high humidity.

Mouse toxicty of fungi of tobacco.

A bioassay for fungal toxins based on the intraperitoneal injection of test materials into mice was used to screen 976 cultures isolated from tobacco and grown in a high-protein baby cereal and also to determine whether samples of tobacco damaged by fungi are more toxic than samples of apparently sound tobacco. Of 236 fungal isolates from noncured tobacco, 79% were lethal when homogenized cultures of these isolates were tested. Forty-nine per cent of 740 fungi isolated from cured tobacco were lethal. Of the genera from which 30 or more isolates were tested, Epicoccum, Alternaria, and Penicillium had the highest percentage of toxic isolates from non-cured tobacco, whereas Epicoccum, Aspergillus, and Alternaria had the highest percentage from cured tobacco. Samples of tobacco naturally infected with brown spot, caused by Alternaria tenuis, did not have a significantly different LD(50) value after 48 hr than comparable disease-free samples. However, animals which died from doses near the LD(50) dose of tobacco infected with Alternaria generally died in 24 to 48 hr with signs associated with a depressant rather than a stimulant, such as nicotine, which caused death in 15 to 30 min. These signs were duplicated by injecting homogenized pure cultures of Alternaria. These studies, although inconclusive with regard to the effects of fungal contaminants on the quality or usability of tobacco, have developed evidence that suggests the advisability of a study on smoke or smoke condensates from moldy and nonmoldy tobacco.

IRON BALANCE AND REQUIREMENTS IN INFANCY

1. The iron endowment of the newborn is proportional to the initial hemoglobin mass. This in turn depends upon the birth weight and initial hemoglobin level. The presence of low birth weight or decreased hemoglobin level in the first few days of life may identify infants with special iron requirements during the first 18 months of life. 2. It is recommended that the diet of normal term infants provide 1.0 mg/kg/day of iron by 3 months of age to a maximum intake of 15 mg/day. This requirement can be easily met by inclusion in the diet of appropriate amounts of foods which have been enriched with iron, such as infant cereals or milk formulas. 3. Infants with low birth weight and others with reduced iron endowment require as much as 2.0 mg of iron per kilogram per day beginning by 2 months of age. This amount of iron will not ordinarily be provided by the diet, even if iron-supplemented cereals are given. Attainment of these larger amounts requires the use of medicinal iron or iron-supplemented milk formula. 4. Attention should be directed to providing a variety of iron-enriched dietary staples to be used routinely for feeding American infants during the period of life from 3 to 18 months of age and to more precisely determining the best form of iron supplementation. At the present time iron fortified baby cereals and milk formulas are the iron supplemented foods most generally available. These are not utilized by the segments of the American population which have the greatest need for them.

Mouse Toxicity of Fungi of Tobacco1

A bioassay for fungal toxins based on the intraperitoneal injection of test materials into mice was used to screen 976 cultures isolated from tobacco and grown in a high-protein baby cereal and also to determine whether samples of tobacco damaged by fungi are more toxic than samples of apparently sound tobacco. Of 236 fungal isolates from noncured tobacco, 79% were lethal when homogenized cultures of these isolates were tested. Forty-nine per cent of 740 fungi isolated from cured tobacco were lethal. Of the genera from which 30 or more isolates were tested, Epicoccum, Alternaria, and Penicillium had the highest percentage of toxic isolates from non-cured tobacco, whereas Epicoccum, Aspergillus, and Alternaria had the highest percentage from cured tobacco. Samples of tobacco naturally infected with brown spot, caused by Alternaria tenuis, did not have a significantly different LD(50) value after 48 hr than comparable disease-free samples. However, animals which died from doses near the LD(50) dose of tobacco infected with Alternaria generally died in 24 to 48 hr with signs associated with a depressant rather than a stimulant, such as nicotine, which caused death in 15 to 30 min. These signs were duplicated by injecting homogenized pure cultures of Alternaria. These studies, although inconclusive with regard to the effects of fungal contaminants on the quality or usability of tobacco, have developed evidence that suggests the advisability of a study on smoke or smoke condensates from moldy and nonmoldy tobacco.

Thickened formulas: Standardization of preparation and a new method of administration

Summary<ul><li>1.A table is given with proportions for preparation of an adequately thickened formula from each of the precooked baby cereals. The chemical analysis of each cereal is also given.</li><li>2.An easy method of preparing thickned formula is outlined.</li><li>3.A special feeder is described for the feeding of thickened formula.</li><li>4.The merits of the various precooked cereals are discussed and the conclusion is made that two brands of rice cereal are preferred over the other cereals tested.</li></ul>