Including Infant Formula Research Articles

Microencapsulation of Ferrous Sulfate in Lipid Matrices Produced by Spray Chilling: Characterization, Controlled Release, and In Vitro Gastric Behavior

ABSTRACTIron deficiency is a global nutritional concern, and food fortification is a strategy to address it. However, direct iron fortification can negatively impact sensory attributes. Spray chilling microencapsulation offers a solution while enhancing iron bioavailability. This study aimed to produce iron‐containing microparticles using spray chilling with varying ratios of beeswax and cocoa butter. The ratios had minimal impact on overall yield (73%–75%). The microparticles exhibited β and β′ polymorphic forms, and the inclusion of cocoa butter led to a more amorphous and heterogeneous matrix, resulting in more complex thermal behavior. Higher cocoa butter content improved iron retention (79%–81%) compared with higher beeswax concentrations (69%–70%). LPMs with greater cocoa butter content exhibited reduced iron release, with release kinetics following diffusion and relaxation mechanisms. Iron release across different temperatures ranged from 0.11 to 0.42 mg L−1, influenced by the lipid matrix, particle distribution, and size. The highest release was attributed to smaller, more homogeneous particles containing only one lipid in the matrix. LMPs effectively protected iron release under simulated gastric conditions, allowing significant release in simulated intestinal conditions (36.1%–56.3%). These iron microparticles show potential for use in the food industry, particularly for fortifying various food products, including infant formulas and supplements.

Assessment of Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a Novel Food for Use in Food and Food Supplements (RP2101)

Chr. Hansen, Denmark (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in September 2023. The novel food is intended to be used as a source of human identical milk oligosaccharide, LNT, and is manufactured by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and then refined to yield the purified powder. This new application is seeking to use the novel food within the following food categories: food for special medical purposes and food supplements for the general population including those for vulnerable groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly); food for infants and young children including infant formula and follow-on formula. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added LNT or breast milk are consumed the same day. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in March 2022. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that LNT is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and proposed use in food and food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

Assessment of 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a Novel Food for Use in Food and Food Supplements (RP2106)

Chr. Hansen, Denmark (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in September 2023. The novel food is intended to be used as a source of human identical milk oligosaccharide, 3-FL, and is manufactured by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and then refined to yield the purified powder. This new application is seeking to use the novel food within the following food categories: food for special medical purposes and food supplements for the general population including those for vulnerable groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly); food for infants and young children including infant formula and follow-on formula. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3-FL or breast milk are consumed the same day. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in May 2022. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that 3-FL was safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and proposed use in food and food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

Health risk assessment for dietary exposure to 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, 2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, and glycidol for Italian consumers

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), 2-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (2-MCPD) and 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol (glycidol), in their free form or esterified to fatty acids, are food contaminants formed during the refinement of oils and fats. We conducted a survey to quantify the levels of these compounds in 130 food items, in order to assess the exposure to them in food and the consequent health risk for consumers. Food samples, including infant formula, were analysed by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry with the indirect method, and we used the latest open access food consumption database for the Italian population for a probabilistic assessment of exposure. We adopted an in silico approach to fill the gap for the toxicity of 2-MCPD. The occurrence values for the three contaminants in food were in most cases lower than or comparable to those reported in previous surveys. Exposure assessment for the most exposed individuals (95thpercentiles of consumers only) of different age groups, gave values below the tolerable daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for 3-MCPD and below the simulated or predicted toxicity thresholds for 2-MCPD, indicating a negligible risk due to dietary exposure to these contaminants. For glycidol, however, estimated exposure indicated a non-negligible increase in cancer risk, and a margin of exposure <25,000 for younger population groups, indicating a potential health concern.

Baby Food Pouches, Baby-Led Weaning, and Iron Status in New Zealand Infants: An Observational Study.

Iron deficiency in infants can impact development, and there are concerns that the use of baby food pouches and baby-led weaning may impair iron status. First Foods New Zealand (FFNZ) was an observational study of 625 New Zealand infants aged 6.9 to 10.1 months. Feeding methods were defined based on parental reports of infant feeding at "around 6 months of age": "frequent" baby food pouch use (five+ times per week) and "full baby-led weaning" (the infant primarily self-feeds). Iron status was assessed using a venepuncture blood sample. The estimated prevalence of suboptimal iron status was 23%, but neither feeding method significantly predicted body iron concentrations nor the odds of iron sufficiency after controlling for potential confounding factors including infant formula intake. Adjusted ORs for iron sufficiency were 1.50 (95% CI: 0.67-3.39) for frequent pouch users compared to non-pouch users and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.45-1.87) for baby-led weaning compared to traditional spoon-feeding. Contrary to concerns, there was no evidence that baby food pouch use or baby-led weaning, as currently practiced in New Zealand, were associated with poorer iron status in this age group. However, notable levels of suboptimal iron status, regardless of the feeding method, emphasise the ongoing need for paying attention to infant iron nutrition.

Safety assessment of the substance calcium tert-butylphosphonate for use in food contact materials.

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids assessed the safety of calcium tert-butylphosphonate, which is intended to be used as a nucleating agent up to 0.15% w/w for the manufacture of polyolefin food contact materials (FCM) and articles for single and repeated use, in contact with all types of food, including infant formula and human milk. Specific migration was tested using polyethylene samples in 10% ethanol, 3% acetic acid and 95% ethanol for 2 h at 100°C, followed by 238 h at 40°C. Results for all three simulants were near or below the limit of detection of 10 μg/kg. As the solubility of the substance is far above the reported migration and above 60 mg/kg food, no assessment of the particle fraction was needed, and the conventional risk assessment was followed. The substance did not induce gene mutations in bacterial cells and structural chromosomal aberrations in mammalian cells, thus, did not raise concern for genotoxicity. The Panel considered that the use of the substance did not give rise to safety concern related to neurotoxicity for the general population, but this conclusion could not be applied to infants below 16 weeks of age, due to their specific sensitivity and the absence of dedicated data. The Panel concluded that calcium tert-butylphosphonate does not raise a safety concern for the consumer if it is used as a nucleating agent up to 0.15% w/w in the manufacture of polyolefin FCM that are intended to be in contact with all types of food for storage above 6 months at room temperature and below, including temperatures up to 100°C for maximum 2 h and up to 130°C for short durations. The Panel could not evaluate the safety of use to manufacture FCM for contact with infant formula and human milk.

Safety of lacto-N-fucopentaose I/2'-fucosyllactose (LNFP-I/2'-FL) mixture as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP-I)/2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) mixture as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharides (HiMO) LNFP-I and 2'-FL, but it also contains d-lactose, lacto-N-tetraose, difucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, LNFP-I fructose isomer, 2'-fucosyl-d-lactulose, l-fucose and 2'-fucosyl-d-lactitol, and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain (Escherichia coli K-12 DH1 MDO MP2173b) of E. coli K-12 DH1 (DSM 4235). The information provided on the identity, manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF in a variety of foods, including infant formula (IF) and follow-on formula, foods for infants and toddlers, foods for special medical purposes and food supplements (FS). The target population is the general population. The anticipated daily intake of LNFP-I from use in IF is similar to the estimated natural mean highest daily intake in breastfed infants. Overall, the anticipated daily intake of LNFP-I from the NF as a food ingredient at the maximum proposed use levels is unlikely to exceed the intake level of breastfed infants on a body weight basis. The intake in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is expected to be safe also for other population groups. The anticipated 2'-FL intake is generally rather low. The use of the NF in FS is not intended if other foods with added NF components or human milk (for infants and young children) are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF, a mixture of LNFP-I and 2'-FL, is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Glutamic acid intake by formula-fed infants: are acceptable daily intakes appropriate?

The 2017 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendation of an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 30 mg glutamic acid/kg bw/day did not take into consideration the primary energy sources during infancy, including infant formulas. In the present study, we determined total daily intakes of glutamic acid in a contemporary cohort of healthy infants who were fed either cow milk formula (CMF) or extensive protein hydrolysate formula (EHF); the formulas differed substantially in glutamic acid content. The infants (n = 141) were randomized to be fed either CMF or EHF. Dietary intakes were determined from weighed bottle methods and/or prospective diet records, and body weights were measured on 14 occasions from 0.5 to 12.5 months. Secondary data analysis determined the glutamic acid content of the diet over time. The trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ as NCT01700205, 3 October 2012. Glutamic acid intake from formula and other foods was significantly higher in infants fed EHF when compared to CMF. As glutamic acid intake from formula decreased, intake from other nutritional sources steadily increased from 5.5 months. Regardless of formula type, every infant exceeded the ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day from 0.5 to 12.5 months. Conclusion: Given that the ADI recommendation was not based on actual intake data of primary energy sources during infancy, the present findings on the growing child’s ingestion of glutamic acid from infant formula and the complementary diet may be of interest when developing future guidelines and communications to parents, clinical care providers, and policy makers.What is Known:• The 2017 re-evaluation of the safety of glutamic acid-glutamates and the recommended acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 30 mg/kg bw/d by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) did not include actual intake data of the primary energy sources during infancy.What is New:• During the first year, glutamic acid intake from infant formula and other food sources exceeded the ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day.

Safety of 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) sodium salt produced by a derivative strain (Escherichia coliNEO3) of E. coli W (ATCC 9637) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) sodium salt as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 3'-SL (sodium salt), but it also contains sialic acid, d-glucose, d-lactose, 3'-sialyllactulose and 6'-sialyllactose sodium salts and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain (Escherichia coli NEO3) of E. coli W (ATCC 9637). The information provided on the identity, manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow-on formula, food for special medical purposes and food supplements (FS). The target population is the general population. The applicant applies for the same uses and use levels as already assessed for 3'-SL sodium salt produced by a genetically modified strain of E. coli K-12 DH1, with the exception for the use in FS, which is proposed to be higher (from 0.5 to 1.0 g/day) in individuals from 3 years of age. Since the NF as a food ingredient would be consumed at the same extent as the already assessed 3'-SL sodium salt, no new estimates of theintakes have been carried out. The Panel notes that the maximum daily intake of 3'-SL from the proposed use of the NF in FS for individuals from 3 years of age (1.0 g/day) is lower than the estimated highest mean daily intake of 3'-SL in breastfed infants. FS are not intended to be used if other sources of 3'-SL are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Safety of 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) sodium salt produced by a derivative strain (Escherichia coliNEO6) of E. coli W(ATCC 9637) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) sodium salt as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 6'-SL (sodium salt), but it also contains sialic acid, d-glucose, d-lactose, 6'-sialyllactulose sodium salt, 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) sodium salt and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain (Escherichia coli NEO6) of E. coli W (ATCC 9637). The information provided on the identity, manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow-on formula, food for special medical purposes and food supplements (FS). The target population is the general population. The applicant applies for the same uses and use levels already assessed for 6'-SL sodium salt produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain of E. coli K-12 DH1. Therefore, since the NF would be consumed at the same extent as the already assessed 6'-SL sodium salt, no new estimates of the intake have been carried out. Similarly, FS are not intended to be used if other foods with added 6'-SL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Safety of 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 DH1 as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 3-FL, but it also contains d-lactose, l-fucose, 3-fucosyllactulose and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain (Escherichia coli K-12 DH1 MDO MAP1834) of E. coli K-12 DH1 (DSM 4235). The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow-on formula, food for special medical purposes and food supplements (FS). The target population is the general population. The anticipated daily intake of 3-FL from both proposed and combined (authorised and proposed) uses at their respective maximum use levels in all population categories does not exceed the highest intake level of 3-FL from human milk in infants on a body weight basis. The intake of 3-FL in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is expected to be safe also for other population groups. The intake of other carbohydrate-type compounds structurally related to 3-FL is also considered of no safety concern. FS are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3-FL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Selected Breast Related Problems and Their Management among Postnatal Women

Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete from of nutrition for infants with a range of benefits for infants health, growth, immunity and development. Breast milk is a unique nutritional source that cannot adequately be replaced by any other food, including infant formula. Although pollutants can accumulate in breast milk, it remains superior to infant formula from the perspective of the overall health of both mother and child. (Healthy People 2010). The results showed that in pretest 13 (21.66%) subjects had inadequate knowledge, 47 (78.33%) subjects had moderate level of knowledge and nobody were having adequate Knowledge regarding warning signs of pregnancy and its influence on pregnancy outcome. In post test 10(16.66%) subjects had Moderate level of knowledge and 50(83.33%) subjects had adequate knowledge and nobody remains having inadequate Knowledge regarding selected breast related problem and their management among postnatal women.

Content analysis of on-package formula labelling in Great Britain: use of marketing messages on infant, follow-on, growing-up and specialist formula.

To explore on-package formula messaging with reference to legislation and government-issued guidance in Great Britain (GB). Formula products were identified, pictures of all sides of packs collated and on-package text and images were coded. Compliance with both GB legislation and guidance issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) was assessed. All formula packs that were available for sale over the counter in GB between April and October 2020. Formula packs (n 71) including infant formula, follow-on formula, growing-up formula and specialist formula were identified, coded and analysed. In total, 41 % of formula packs included nutrition claims, and 18 % included health claims that may be considered non-permitted, according to DHSC guidance. Additionally, 72 % of products showed images considered 'non-permitted'. Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) legislation states infant and follow-on formula packs should be clearly distinguishable but does not provide criteria to assess similarity. Based on DHSC guidance, 72 % of infant and follow-on formula packs were categorised as showing a high degree of similarity. Marketing practices not covered by current legislation were widespread, such as 94 % of infant formula packs including advertisements for follow-on or growing-up formula. Text and images considered non-permitted according to DHSC guidance for implementing BMS legislation were widespread on formula products available in GB. As terms such as 'similarity' are not defined in BMS legislation, it was unclear if breaches had occurred. Findings support the WHO call for loopholes in domestic legislation to be closed as a matter of urgency.

Safety of 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) sodium salt produced by derivative strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panelon Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) sodium salt as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 6'-SL, but it also contains d-lactose, 6'-sialyllactulose, sialic acid, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and a small fraction of other related oligosaccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation with two genetically modified strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), the production strain and the optional degradation strain. The information provided on the identity, manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow-on formula, food for special medical purposes and food supplements. The target population is the general population. In some scenarios at the maximum use levels, the estimated intakes per kg body weight were higher than the high average natural intake of 6'-SL from human milk. However, given the intrinsic nature of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), the wide range of intakes from human milk, and considering that infants are naturally exposed to similar amounts of these substances, the Panelconsiders that the consumption of the NF at the proposed conditions of use does not raise safety concerns. The intake of 6'-SL in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is also expected to be safe for other population groups. The intake of other carbohydrate-type compounds structurally related to 6'-SL is also considered of no safety concern. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added 6'-SL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panelconcludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Safety of 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 3‐fucosyllactose (3‐FL) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human‐identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 3‐FL, but it also contains d‐lactose, l‐fucose, d‐glucose and d‐galactose, and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow‐on formula, food for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes and food supplements. The target population is the general population. The anticipated daily intake of 3‐FL from both proposed and combined (authorised and proposed) uses at their respective maximum use levels in all population categories does not exceed the highest intake level of 3‐FL from human milk in infants on a body weight basis. The intake of 3‐FL in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is expected to be safe also for other population groups. The intake of other carbohydrate‐type compounds structurally related to 3‐FL is also considered of no safety concern. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3‐FL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

Safety of 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) sodium salt produced by derivative strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 3’‐sialyllactose (3’‐SL) sodium salt as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human‐identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 3’‐SL, but it also contains d‐lactose, 3’‐sialyllactulose, sialic acid, N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine and a small fraction of other related oligosaccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation with two genetically modified strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), the production strain and the optional degradation strain. The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF to a variety of foods, including infant formula and follow‐on formula, food for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes and food supplements. The target population is the general population. The anticipated daily intake of 3’‐SL from both proposed and combined (authorised and proposed) uses at their respective maximum use levels in all population categories does not exceed the highest intake level of 3’‐SL from human milk in infants on a body weight basis. The intake of 3’‐SL in breastfed infants on a body weight basis is expected to be safe also for other population groups. The intake of other carbohydrate‐type compounds structurally related to 3’‐SL is also considered of no safety concern. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3’‐SL or human milk are consumed on the same day. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.

The Effect of Consumption of Animal Milk Compared to Infant Formula for Non-Breastfed/Mixed-Fed Infants 6–11 Months of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Many infants do not receive breastmilk for the recommended 2-year duration. Instead, alternative milk beverages are often used, including infant formula and raw animal milk products. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the effect of animal milk consumption, compared to infant formula, on health outcomes in non-breastfed or mixed-fed infants aged 6–11 months. We searched multiple databases and followed Cochrane guidelines for conducting the review. The primary outcomes were anemia, gastrointestinal blood loss, weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length. Nine studies were included: four randomized controlled trials (RCT) and five cohort studies. All studies, except one, were conducted in high income countries. There was a low certainty of evidence that cow’s milk increased the risk of anemia compared to formula milk (Cohort studies RR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.43, RCTs: RR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.68, 9.65) and gastrointestinal blood loss (Cohort study RR: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.73, 3.16, RCTs: RR: 3.14, 95% CI: 0.98, 10.04). Additionally, there was low certainty evidence that animal milk consumption may not have a differential effect on weight and length-for-age compared to formula milk. Overall, the evidence was of low certainty and no solid conclusions can be drawn from this data. Further studies are needed from low- and middle-income countries to assess optimal milk type in non-breastfed infants aged 6–11 months.

Identification of Lactobacillus Strains Capable of Fermenting Fructo-Oligosaccharides and Inulin.

Novel probiotic strains that can ferment prebiotics are important for functional foods. The utilization of prebiotics is strain specific, so we screened 86 Lactobacillus strains and compared them to Bifidobacterium breve 2141 for the ability to grow and produce SCFA when 1% inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) were provided as the carbon source in batch fermentations. When grown anaerobically at 32 °C, ten Lactobacillus strains grew on both prebiotic substrates (OD600 ≥ 1.2); while Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens B4390 grew only in the presence of inulin. When the growth temperature was increased to 37 °C to simulate the human body temperature, four of these strains were no longer able to grow on either prebiotic. Additionally, L. casei strains 4646 and B441, and L. helveticus strains B1842 and B1929 did not require anaerobic conditions for growth on both prebiotics. Short-chain fatty acid analysis was performed on cell-free supernatants. The concentration of lactic acid produced by the ten Lactobacillus strains in the presence of prebiotics ranged from 73–205 mM. L. helveticus B1929 produced the highest concentration of acetic acid ~19 mM, while L. paraplantarum B23115 and L. paracasei ssp. paracasei B4564 produced the highest concentrations of propionic (1.8–4.0 mM) and butyric (0.9 and 1.1 mM) acids from prebiotic fermentation. L. mali B4563, L. paraplantarum B23115 and L. paracasei ssp. paracasei B4564 were identified as butyrate producers for the first time. These strains hold potential as synbiotics with FOS or inulin in the development of functional foods, including infant formula.

Simultaneous determination of vanillin, ethyl vanillin and methyl vanillin in Chinese infant food and other dairy products by LC-MS/MS

ABSTRACT An efficient and simple method for determining vanillin, methyl vanillin and ethyl vanillin in milk and dairy products was developed using a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) procedure coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Different extraction procedures were tested and optimised by spiking three vanillin compounds into a blank matrix in which none of any food additives were detected, and the extraction with acetonitrile solution and n-hexane as cleaning sorbent allowed an efficient recovery of 87.6–101.7% with RSDs less than 5%. The limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 6.2 to 20.1 μg/kg. High sensitivity, accuracy and selectivity were found for the in-house validated method, which can eliminate the interferences from complicated matrices effectively, and fulfil the quality criteria for routine laboratory application for real samples. The developed method was then finally applied to screen the three analytes in 65 milk and dairy products including infant formula milk powders from local markets to check for compliance with Chinese Regulation. Concentrations of the total vanillin and ethyl vanillin ranged from 0.0323 to 246.3 mg/kg, which is within the limits of Chinese regulations.

Variations in N-linked glycosylation of glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule 1 (GlyCAM-1) whey protein: Intercow differences and dietary effects

In bovine milk serum, the whey proteins with the highest N-glycan contribution are lactoferrin, IgG, and glycosylation-dependent cellular adhesion molecule 1 (GlyCAM-1); GlyCAM-1 is the dominant N-linked glycoprotein in bovine whey protein products. Whey proteins are base ingredients in a range of food products, including infant formulas. Glycan monosaccharide composition and variation thereof may affect functionality, such as the interaction of glycans with the immune system via recognition receptors. It is therefore highly relevant to understand whether and how the glycosylation of whey proteins (and their functionality) can be modulated. We recently showed that the glycoprofile of GlyCAM-1 varies between cows and during early lactation, whereas the glycoprofile of lactoferrin was highly constant. In the current study, we evaluated intercow differences and the effects of macronutrient supply on the N-linked glycosylation profiles of the major whey proteins in milk samples of Holstein-Friesian cows. Overall, approximately 60% of the N-glycan pool in milk protein was sialylated, or fucosylated, or both; GlyCAM-1 contributed approximately 78% of the total number of glycans in the overall whey protein N-linked glycan pool. The degree of fucosylation ranged from 44.8 to 73.3% between cows, and this variation was mainly attributed to the glycans of GlyCAM-1. Dietary supplementation with fat or protein did not influence the overall milk serum glycoprofile. Postruminal infusion of palm olein, glucose, and essential AA resulted in shifts in the degree of GlyCAM-1 fucosylation within individual cows, ranging in some cases from 50 to 71% difference in degree of fucosylation, regardless of treatment. Overall, these data demonstrate that the glycosylation, and particularly fucosylation, of GlyCAM-1 was variable, although these shifts appear to be related more to individual cow variation than to nutrient supply. To our knowledge, this is the first report of variation in glycosylation of a milk glycoprotein in mature, noncolostral milk. The functional implications of variable GlyCAM-1 fucosylation remain to be investigated.