Analytical approaches for the determination of nitrate and nitrite in infant and baby foods: Advances and occurrence.

This study investigated the impacts of an ultrasound (US) pre-treatment applied to a liquid feed suspension prior to conventional spray drying to overcome the inherent stickiness and low yield challenges in a complex, carbohydrate-rich model cereal-milk infant and toddler complementary food formulation. The effects of US pre-treatment duration (30-90 s), spray dryer inlet temperature (150°C-180°C), and feed rate (7-12 mL/min) were evaluated using a full-factorial response surface design. The findings demonstrated that acoustic cavitation applied as a feed pre-treatment significantly reduced the viscosity of the suspension and improved subsequent atomization efficiency, which ultimately increased the powder recovery yield from approximately 12% to over 30%. Furthermore, the micro-structural modifications and improved fat encapsulation induced during the ultrasound pre-treatment step led to enhanced powder reconstitution properties, significantly increasing solubility. Microstructural and thermal evaluations revealed that the optimized processing parameters produced finer, less agglomerated particles that maintained an amorphous glassy state (Tg ranging from 17.5°C to 20.3°C) with preserved protein secondary structures. Notably, the accelerated drying kinetics resulting from the enhanced feed atomization limited the progression of the Maillard reaction, keeping advanced glycation products like HMF well within safe limits. Overall, this study highlights that an ultrasound pre-treatment is a highly effective, non-thermal feed-modification strategy to optimize process efficiency, physical stability, and nutritional integrity in the spray drying production of complex multi-component infant formulas.

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, which can have detrimental effects on both maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to assess the food safety and baby food-handling knowledge among pregnant women in Bangladesh, along with associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 341 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire from January to February 2024. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, food safety knowledge across four domains (including personal and kitchen hygiene, symptoms of foodborne diseases, high-risk foods and cross-contamination, and storage and leftover food handling), and baby food handling knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of knowledge levels. Participants demonstrated an overall food safety knowledge score with a mean score of 15.88 ± 6.07 out of 30 (52.9% correct), but significant gaps existed in areas such as cross-contamination prevention, refrigeration temperatures, and thawing techniques. Baby food handling knowledge was slightly better with a mean score of 9.13 ± 3.86 (60.9% correct), although gaps existed regarding perishable food storage. The regression analysis revealed that older participants aged (≥ 25 years), those with no formal education, a family monthly income between 15000 and 30000 BDT, residing in rural areas, and in their first trimester of pregnancy had significantly lower food safety and baby food-handling knowledge. Additionally, baby food-handling knowledge was significantly lower among participants who experienced a second or subsequent pregnancy. This study highlights the need for targeted food safety educational interventions during antenatal care, particularly for older, uneducated rural pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy, to improve maternal and fetal health, as well as the health of newborns.

Interaction of milk fat globule membrane protein with liposome and its influence on the physicochemical properties, structure, and lipid digestion of infant formula emulsions: Toward mimicking the human milk fat globule.

To pilot test the initial efficacy of the Baby-Feed website for improving infant diet quality (main outcome) and weight gain (exploratory outcome) compared to usual care. This was a 3-month randomized clinical trial, in which two healthcare providers and 50 caregivers of healthy-term infants (4-12 months) in a community health center were recruited. Participants were randomized to usual care or access to the Baby-Feed website, which assesses infants' diets, provides automated results, and delivers feedback. Measures were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study: diet quality from a validated infant food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), self-reported weight/length to calculate rate of weight gain, and a validated self-efficacy questionnaire. Changes were compared using analysis of covariance or Chi-square/Fisher's Exact test. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (n = 25 intervention; n = 25 control). Most caregivers were mothers (92%) and Hispanic (86%). Change in total diet quality scores was higher in the intervention (-2.95 ± 6.53) vs. controls (-7.69 ± 7.84; p = 0.031). Healthy weight gain was higher in the intervention group (n = 21, 95%) vs. controls (n = 14, 58%; p = 0.006). Changes in the self-efficacy score for promoting healthy foods were associated with changes in the fruit score (r = 0.46; p = 0.03), and changes in the self-efficacy score for limiting unhealthy foods were associated with changes in the juice score (r = 0.45; p = 0.04) only in the intervention group. Using Baby-Feed for 3 months improved diet quality and the rate of weight gain compared with controls in this small and short pilot trial. A larger, longer trial with a more diverse population is needed to confirm the results. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ : NCT05062824.

RESUMENObjetivo.Caracterizar los alimentos complementarios comerciales (ACC) disponibles en Argentina y México y analizar su alineación con un modelo de perfil de nutrientes y promoción de ACC diseñado y adaptado para América Latina y el Caribe.Métodos.Estudio descriptivo de los ACC disponibles en Argentina y México en 2025. Se tomaron datos de etiquetas y se evaluó su adaptación al modelo desarrollado con fines analíticos que establece criterios sobre composición nutricional, presencia de aditivos cosméticos y nivel de procesamiento, así como requisitos de promoción.Resultados.Se encontraron 17 ACC en Argentina y 234 en México. Ningún ACC de Argentina y sólo 5% de los de México se adaptaron a todos los criterios nutricionales del modelo. Se evidenció elevada presencia de azúcares agregados y que por el alto contenido de azúcares totales los ACC deberían incluir advertencia en el envase. Asimismo, ninguno de los ACC de tipo puré declaraba la edad máxima de uso. Además, 65% de los ACC en Argentina y 47% de ellos en México se clasificaron como ultraprocesados. En relación con la promoción, ningún producto cumplió con los requisitos del modelo, principalmente por la ausencia de advertencias para no consumir directamente del pico en los envases de tipo bolsa, la omisión de mensajes de promoción y protección de la lactancia materna, y la presencia de declaraciones de salud, nutrición o marketing y otros elementos comerciales.Conclusiones.Estos hallazgos respaldan la necesidad de fortalecer políticas públicas, en especial regulatorias, orientadas a mejorar la composición nutricional de los ACC y a no permitir prácticas de promoción y rotulado engañosas.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds widely used due to their water, grease, and dirt repellent properties. They are persistent and resistant to degradation, therefore they can be found in the environment, the food chain, and in human fluids. The European Union (EU) has established limits of quantification (LOQs) for four PFAS in produce, seafood, meat, eggs, fish oil, milk, and ready-to-eat food for infants and young children and set maximum levels (MLs) for the same analytes in eggs, fish, and meat products. The study describes a quantitative LC-MS/MS method for the determination of 57 PFAS in food. The 55 analytes are quantified by isotopic dilution while two of the compounds, namely Capstone A and Capstone B are quantified using 2-level standard addition. Seven of the compounds have only one transition, which need another technique for their confirmation in case of a positive result in a sample. The scope comprises analytes included in the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) 2023.003, cited in the EU Recommendation 2022/1431, and analytes surveyed by service laboratories in Europe or mentioned in the literature.Representative samples from several food categories (baby food puree, milk-based infant formula (powder), full cream milk powder, fish meat and fish oil, whole egg, soluble coffee, pet food and edible offal) were validated. Targeted performance requirements for LOQ, recovery and precision were as defined per AOAC SMPR 2023.003. The protocol involves an acetonitrile/water extraction. For 55 PFAS analysis in all matrices, a solid phase extraction (SPE) method is applied. Detection is conducted by LC-MS/MS and isotopic dilution is applied for quantification. Confirmation for single-transition analysis is performed by LC-HRMS. For infant formula and baby food, the extract is diverted to two workflows, one for the 55 PFAS and one for Capstone A & Capstone B, where a diluted aliquot is analyzed by LC-MS/MS and quantified by the standard addition procedure. The method was single laboratory validated in the nine food matrices with results generally in agreement with the criteria of the AOAC SMPR 2023.003, in terms of LOQs, recovery and precision. LOQs were generally in the low ng/kg range, and recoveries typically fell within 70-120%, with acceptable repeatability and intermediate precision. The performance of the method was further demonstrated by analyzing 27 additional food matrices. The method described covers a wide range of food matrices and analytes compares favorably with most of the requirements of the SMPR 2023.003, it contains as well a larger scope of analytes compared to the SMPR 2023.003, giving an advantage of searching other potential sources of PFAS contamination. Following independent scientific review, the AOAC Expert Review Panel for PFAS in Food Methods determined that the method met the requirements of AOAC SMPR 2023.003 and approved it for First Action status as AOAC Official Method 2025.10. This work presents a validated LC-MS/MS method for 57 PFAS across diverse food matrices, meeting or exceeding most of the AOAC SMPR 2023.003 performance requirements and demonstrating broad applicability for routine monitoring. The method includes additional PFAS of emerging interest and was approved for AOAC First Action status, designated AOAC Official Method 2025.10.

Investigation of the levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in infant and young child formulas and health risk assessment in Türkiye.

Longitudinal Evaluation from Birth to Adolescence of Soy Protein-Based Infant Formula Compared with Cow Milk-Based Formula and Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Summary of Findings.

Polydopamine surface-imprinted and chitosan-polyethyleneimine-scaffolded COF aerogel for efficient aflatoxins removal from infant foods.

Parent-Reported Barriers and Facilitators to Early and Sustained Feeding of Allergenic Foods: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

There has been a striking shift toward earlier allergen introduction after updated 2016 Australian infant feeding guidelines. Identifying factors contributing to community uptake is important for ongoing allergy prevention efforts. To determine whether and how families received feeding advice, factors associated with the receipt and accuracy of advice, and the influence of advice on allergen introduction. Parent-completed questionnaires from the EarlyNuts population-based study of 11- to 15-month-old infants (n = 1,699), captured demographic characteristics, timing of allergen introduction, and information about feeding advice. Most families (99%) received feeding advice. Advice accuracy was highest for solids, egg, and peanut (93% to 97%), and lowest for dairy (81%). Families receiving accurate advice had greater odds of timely (4-11 months) introduction of peanut (odds ratio [OR] = 9.2; 95% CI, 5.5-15.6), egg (OR = 6.2; 95% CI, 2.9-13.4), tree nuts (OR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9-5.0), and dairy products (OR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.7). Maternal child health nurses were the most common source of advice (87%) and were associated with increased odds of timely peanut (OR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.2; P = .04), egg (OR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.6; P = .001), and dairy (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8; P = .04) introduction. Infants with parents born outside Australia were less likely to receive allergen advice (eg, peanut advice: Australia [92%], other country [80%], and East Asia [76%]). Families residing in the North East region of Melbourne (Australia) had the highest rates of any group and accurate advice. The receipt and accuracy of infant feeding advice was widespread and associated with timely allergen introduction; however, rates were lower in culturally and linguistically diverse families. Guideline dissemination and adherence likely benefited from local council and maternal child health nurse programs.

This study aimed to examine infant feeding practices and associated factors among infants affected by the great earthquakes in Türkiye. This descriptive, cross-sectional study included mothers of infants aged 4-12 months who experienced earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya and Hatay and who were residing in Hatay at the time of data collection. A total of 396 mothers participated in the study. All participants voluntarily completed the Family Introduction Form and the Complementary Feeding Transition Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. Among the infants, 50 % were aged between 10 and 12 months and 61·6 % were male. 50·8 % did not continue breast-feeding after the earthquake, 59·6 % of infants under one year were not breastfed, and only 19·2 % were exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Additionally, 58·3 % of the infants began complementary feeding before six months of age, and 49·5 % initiated complementary feeding with jarred baby food. A statistically significant difference was observed among the number of relocations, first-degree loss due to the earthquake and continuation of breast-feeding (P = 0·016 and P < 0·001, respectively). Mothers ceased breast-feeding after the earthquake and experienced a decline in milk supply; both relocation and the loss of a relative were found to adversely affect infant nutrition. To support optimal infant feeding, it is recommended that mothers be provided with comprehensive education and counselling on breast-feeding and transition to complementary foods.

Infants who are HIV-Exposed Uninfected (HEU) may experience adverse growth outcomes compared to those HIV Unexposed Uninfected (HUU). However, there are limited data from the context of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and promotion of extended breastfeeding (BF) for infants HEU. We compared the growth of infants HEU and HUU enrolled January 2017-July 2018 from the same community in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were collected during pregnancy and at seven days, 10 weeks, six and 12 months postpartum. Infant birth weight and length were converted to weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores (WAZ, LAZ) using Intergrowth-21st software. We determined WAZ, LAZ and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) at postpartum visits using World Health Organization Anthro survey analyzer tool. Linear mixed effects models were fit to compare WAZ, LAZ and WLZ between infants HEU and HUU and assess associations with infant feeding practices, social support and food security, adjusting for infant HIV exposure status, time (study visit), maternal age, employment and marital/cohabiting status, household food security status and duration of BF. Among 796 mother-infant pairs, infants HEU (50%) had shorter median BF duration [73 days; interquartile range (IQR) 12-222 vs 209 (IQR 72-365) for infants HUU (p < 0.001)]. Complementary feeding was introduced early with a high proportion having sweet beverages and no differences between infants HEU and HUU. Among all infants WAZ increased at 12 months vs 7 days [β = 0.621; 95% CI 0.523 to 0.720] but LAZ decreased [β = -1.260; 95% CI -1.406 to -1.114], with higher WLZ [β = 0.171; 95% CI 0.026 to 0.316] at 12 months vs 10 weeks and no impact of HIV exposure or BF. Infants of mothers married/cohabiting (proxy for social support) had higher WAZ and LAZ. Food security was associated with higher WLZ [β = 0.341; 95% CI: 0.029 to 0.653]. In our study, overall infants experienced suboptimal length growth but gained weight with no difference by HIV status or BF. Being married/cohabiting improved all growth parameters and food security improved growth in weight. Public health interventions should enhance social support and food security to promote optimal growth.

Microplastics (MPs) in the environment pose a significant threat to human health, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants. Over the past decades microplastics have infiltrated food systems, air, water, and consumer products, leading to widespread human exposure. Infant foods, including formula and complementary foods, may be contaminated with MPs during processing or packaging or through environmental pollutants. This scoping review was aimed to explore the extent of MP contamination in infant foods, its potential nutritional and health impacts, and the associated risks to the health of children. Following the search strategy, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across 5 electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, and EBSCO HOST). All records identified through the databases were exported into EndNote X9 reference manager for deduplication and selection in line with the inclusion criteria. In all, 1871 records were identified in which 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All studies were published during 2020-2024. The studies were classified into 2 designs: systematic reviews (n = 16) and primary studies (n = 12). Studies detected MPs in infant formula, breast milk, food-contact materials, feeding bottles, indoor air, and selected human biological matrices, including placenta, meconium, and infant feces. Ingestion and inhalation emerged as the most consistently supported exposure pathways, while prenatal and breastfeeding-related exposures were supported by biomonitoring evidence and dermal exposure remained weakly evidenced. Reported polymer types varied widely, with limited and inconsistent reporting of particle size and nanoplastics across studies. No studies originated from Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting a major geographic gap. This scoping review indicates that infants are exposed to MPs through multiple pathways-most consistently via ingestion and inhalation-yet infant-specific health effects remain poorly defined, underscoring the need for improved particle characterization, broader geographic evidence, and precautionary, nutrition-sensitive approaches to research and practice.

Taste preferences and dietary characteristics during complementary feeding according to genetic polymorphisms.

Plant-derived bioactives in early-life complementary foods: a nutritional blueprint for lifelong health.

The commercial production of infant food is undergoing rapid development, but control is limited. This study measured several toxic and essential elements in 77 food products intended for infants (<1year). Concentrations of toxic metals in infant formulas were generally low, but cadmium and cobalt were higher than in breast milk, as were iron, manganese and selenium concentrations. Elevated arsenic in a rice-based dairy- and gluten-free porridge (3.2μg/portion) and cadmium in some porridges (∼1μg/portion) raise concern. Further, manganese in gruels and porridges with ∼1mg/portion (not fortified), and even formulas (∼0.1mg/portion; fortified) reached concerning exposure levels, especially if mixed with water containing manganese. Estimated intake of inorganic arsenic (median 1.7μg/day, excluding fish) and cadmium (median 3.4μg/day) from mixed foods at 9months of age exceeded health-based guidance values. Continued control of contaminants and additives in infant food and evaluation of related health risks are warranted.

Choline is a critical micronutrient that is involved in neurotransmission, lipid metabolism, and neurodevelopment of infants. Poor consumption of choline in the initial stages of growth might lead to severe cognitive and developmental defects. Hence, there is a need to constantly monitor choline level in infant food. To meet this requirement, we present a low-cost paper-based luminol cobalt chemiluminescense (PLC-CL) biosensor with the potential to analyze choline in milk and in real-time using smartphone imaging and machine learning (ML) algorithms. The sensing platform works for the detection of the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which is generated through the use of choline oxidase (ChOx), and then the produce a luminol-cobalt chemiluminescent reaction, where the intensity of the emitted light is directly proportional to the concentration of choline. ML models quantify light intensity, and are highly accurate without the need to use standard methods of calibration. This device has a linear dynamic range of 0.5-10mM and a detection limit of 257.12µM, thus it is useful in quantification in real time and can also be used in the real field envirnoment. This point-of-care testing (PoCT) biosensing tool, enriched with an ML algorithm, therefore, increases nutritional surveillance functions, especially in resource-limited environments, and contributes to adherence to the infant food safety protocols..

The evaluation of D- and L-lactic acid production by lactic acid bacteria is of critical importance, particularly for strains intended for use in infant and young child foods. Additionally, compliance with relevant regulatory standards necessitates the detection of D-lactic acid. Additionally, regulatory requirements exist in this regard. This study aimed to develop and validate a method for simultaneously measuring D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid produced by lactic acid bacteria. The method validation of the HPLC analysis was performed in terms of accuracy, precision, specificity, limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, range, and robustness, and the measurement uncertainty was also evaluated. The method demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.25 µg/mL and LOQ of 0.8 μg/mL for D-/L-lactic acid. For six validated bacterial strains, mean recoveries ranged from 93.50% to 105.37%, with intra-assay relative standard deviations (RSD) of 0.90–2.64% and inter-laboratory RSD of 2.56–10.16%. Excellent linearity, accuracy, and precision were observed across the concentration range of 0.8–200.0 μg/mL. Results confirmed no interference from culture media batch variations, and sample stability was maintained for 48 h. Additionally, relative expanded uncertainties were determined as 10.48% and 7.64%. The developed method was suitable for the identification and quantification of D- and L-lactic acid in lactic acid bacteria fermentation broth samples. This method was applicable for assessing the production of D-/L-lactic acid by food cultures.