Milk Mineral Research Articles

Rapid detection and spectroscopic feature analysis of mineral content in camel milk using fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy and traditional machine learning algorithms

Camel milk is rich in nutrients and bioactive factors, with mineral content generally higher than that of cow milk, but there is currently no internationally established, rapid, batch-testing method for the mineral content. This study collected samples of camel milk from 113 locations in Xinjiang, China. For the first time internationally, based on the true mineral values determined by ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) and the extracted mid-infrared spectra data, a quantitative prediction model for 10 key minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, Zn, and Se) was established using Fourier-Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIRS) and the traditional machine learning algorithm Partial Least Squares Regression. The Rt2 of the test set ranged from 0.61 to 0.91, RMSEt ranged from 2.21ug/kg(Se) to 197.08 mg/kg(K) and the RPDt from 1.59 to 3.28. In addition, the distribution, patterns, and correlations of mineral-related characteristic wavenumbers in camel milk were summarized. This study opens a new avenue for the rapid detection of minerals in camel milk and fills the research gap in in using FT-MIRS to detect mineral content in camel milk.

Designing calcium-fortified milk for improving stability and calcium bioaccessibility by solid dispersion emulsification

Approximately 70 % of the calcium intake in the adult diet worldwide is derived from dairy products. However, insoluble calcium salts, which are usually added directly during dairy production, have poor suspension stability and are prone to precipitation. The current study aimed to address the constraints of conventional production methods by utilizing solid dispersion emulsification technology to inhibit the aggregation of calcium salts. Calcium-fortified milk samples with different calcium content were prepared and compared with the commercial calcium-fortified milk, and their physicochemical, microstructural, and digestive properties were characterized. The results of this study demonstrated that all the prepared calcium-fortified milk samples exhibited a particle size of approximately 270 nm and a zeta-potential of approximately −40 mV. The calcium-fortified milk, which has been produced using solid dispersed emulsion technology, has been found to have 1.8 times more physical stability than commercial milk. Microstructural studies showed that aggregation of milk with more than 225 mg/100 mL calcium content occurred. During in-vitro digestion, it was found that the increasing calcium loading did not impact protein digestion without the creation of new fragments in the calcium-fortified milk. Calcium bioaccessibility was enhanced by approximately 50 % in comparison with the commercial product. While the release of free fatty acids was found to decrease with increasing calcium content. This study facilitates the development and utilization of calcium-fortified and low-fat foods and provides a new idea for the addition of milk minerals in dairy products.

Longitudinal investigation of mineral composition in human milk and its correlation with infant anthropometric outcomes among Tibetan mother-infant dyads during the first 6 months postpartum

Nutrients in human milk, including minerals, relate growth and development of breast-fed infants. Tibetan mother-infant dyads possess unique characteristics on early nutrition due to their featured long-lasting life-style. This study longitudinally investigated the relationship between the mineral composition in human milk and the Z-scores of infants among Tibetan mother-infant dyads during their first 6 months postpartum through a prospective cohort study. The results show that the minerals of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, and Se were of higher levels in colostrum than other lactation stages. Several minerals were below the recommended values for infants according to Chinese dietary guidelines. Besides, a large proportion of infant Z-scores were below −2 as lactation period continued. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that classifications and correlations in varying degrees were observed between minerals in human milk and infant Z-scores. These findings will be advantageous for research upon Chinese early nutrition and progress of tailor-made infant formula.

An investigation of association between human milk mineral patterns and infant growth.

Human milk is widely acknowledged as the optimal food for infant aged 0 ~ 6 months. While there has been extensive documentation on the mineral and trace element composition of human milk, results on the relationship between mineral content and infant growth remain mixed. This cross-sectional study aims to explore human milk mineral patterns and to investigate associations between human milk mineral patterns, human milk metabolomic profile and infant growth. A total of 200 breast milk samples from seven cities in China was included. Human milk mineral and trace elements was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). K-means cluster analysis was utilized to derived human milk mineral patterns. Untargeted human milk metabolomic profiles was determined using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Differences of infant growth rate and metabolomic profiles were then compared across patterns identified. Three human milk mineral patterns were identified. Cluster I was characterized as the highest levels of potassium, magnesium and calcium, while the lowest levels of copper, zinc, manganese and selenium. Cluster II showed the most abundant sodium, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium. Cluster III had the lowest levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium. Infants of cluster I showed significantly higher length-for-age z score (0.60 ± 2.03, p = 0.03). Compared with other clusters, samples of cluster I showed lower expression of metabolites of arachidonic acid (ARA) and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathway. A human milk mineral pattern was identified which is related to increased infant growth rate and altered metabolic signature. Future work is needed to understand these human milk patterns in terms of biologic mechanisms and generalization to other populations.

Longitudinal Changes in Human Milk Minerals and Vitamins in the Chinese Population: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review aims to investigate longitudinal changes in minerals and vitamins concentrations in human milk among the Chinese population. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted using both English and Chinese databases. Data were extracted and categorized into six defined lactation stages. We found that the concentration of most minerals decreased throughout the lactation period, although calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) fluctuated slightly across lactation periods. Fat-soluble vitamins also showed a decline throughout the lactation period, while water-soluble vitamins exhibited an increasing trend. However, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid demonstrated a downward trend. Overall, this review has identified the longitudinal changes in minerals and vitamins concentrations in human milk among the Chinese population. In order to conduct a more in-depth examination of maternal characteristics and nutritional factors of the composition of human milk, it is recommended to utilize standardized protocols for the collection and analysis of human milk samples.

Some Welfare Assessment Traits and Quantitative-Qualitative Milk Parameters as Affected by Supplementary Feeding at Milking and Parity in Anatolian Buffalo Cows.

This study aimed to evaluate whether supplemental feeding at milking (SFAM) positively influences the quantitative-qualitative milk parameters due to improving some welfare assessment traits of multiparous Anatolian buffalo cows confined in semi-open free-stall barns. A total of 76 Anatolian buffalo cows at approximately 90 days in milk were selected to encompass four groups (OSF-2nd, NSF-2nd, OSF-≥3rd and NSF-≥3rd), considering offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking and the parity (2nd) and (≥3rd). Data of evaluated variables such as the following ones-(i) subjectively scored welfare assessment traits (temperament, udder hygiene and body condition), (ii) milk yield per milking (MYM), (iii) milk components, and (iv) milk physical traits-were analysed using a linear mixed model and principal component (PC) analysis. The OSF improved the temperament, udder hygiene and body condition scores compared to the NSF. The MYM, the fat content and the fat-to-protein ratio of the OSF were higher than those of the NSF, but milk mineral and electrical conductivity of the OSF were lower than those of the NSF. The parity of cows did not affect the evaluated variables. Four parameters (milk density value and lactose, solids-not-fat and protein contents) could be identified in the PC2 versus PC1 plot. In conclusion, the SFAM enhanced the milk yield and qualitative milk parameters due to improving the welfare status of indoor buffalo cows, regardless of parity.

Genetic analysis of milk minerals in dairy cattle: a review.

Mineral composition in milk can affect its nutritional as well as physio-chemical properties of milk and is considered an important trait in the evaluation of milk quality. The composition and concentration of milk minerals could be altered with natural source of variation including nutrition and genetics. The effect of diet on milk minerals is well studied. However, genetic effects on the milk minerals have recently gained the attention. This review provides an overview of the genetic variation of milk minerals, and the genomic regions associated with mineral concentration in the milk are also discussed. The difference of milk minerals between breeds and the genetic parameters including heritability estimates and correlation among minerals indicates that milk minerals are under strong genetic control. Recently, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) has explored several regions associated with milk minerals and thus provides a new genetic source for improving the milk quality through genomics-assisted breeding. Hence, a combination of the qualitative and molecular approaches can be exploited to improving the nutritional quality of cattle milk in terms of its mineral composition.

Impact of feeding of different herbal galactogogues on milk mineral profiling of Sahiwal cattle

Impact of feeding of different herbal galactogogues on milk mineral profiling of Sahiwal cattle

Nutritional Significance of Milk Minerals

Nutritional Significance of Milk Minerals

Effect of dietary supplementation of plantain herb, lemongrass and their combination on milk yield, immunity, liver enzymes, serum, and milk mineral status in dairy cows

Objective: This research aimed to assess the effects of dried plantain herb, lemongrass, and their combination on milk yield, immunological, liver enzymatic, serum, and milk mineral status in dairy cows. Materials and Methods: Twenty cows were arbitrarily assigned to 4 diets. Cows were given a basal ration considered as control diet (CL-D) having 14.93% crude protein (CP)and 10.96 MJ ME per kg dry matter (DM). Each cow was given 100 gm plantain, 100 gm lemongrass, and 50 gm plantain + 50 gm lemongrass with CL-D and taken as plantain diet (PT-D), lemongrass diet (LG-D), and plantain-lemongrass diet (PL-D), daily for 63 days, respectively. Blood and milk samples were taken four times at an interval of 14 days. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance. Results: Better DM consumption and milk yield were observed in the PT-D and LG-D compared to the CL-D (p ≤ 0.05). LG-D improved the milk’s total solids, protein, and fat compared to CL-D (p < 0.05). Substantially, herbal groups improved serum albumin and reduced globulin concentrations compared to CL-D. LG-D had the highest serum immunoglobulin G, while herbal groups effectively reduced the liver enzymes compared to CL-D. Herbal groups did not affect serum and milk’s calcium and phosphorus concentrations, while LG-D and PL-D substantially improved serum and milk zinc concentrations. Conclusions: Both plantain and lemongrass improved dairy cows’ DM consumption and milk yield. Plantain and/or lemongrass enhanced the immune system and liver health, but not serum and milk calcium and phosphorus level. Lemongrass and a combination of plantain and lemongrass increased the serum and milk zinc concentrations.

The Influence of the Lactation Period and the Type of Milk on the Content of Amino Acids and Minerals in Human Milk and Infant Formulas.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effect of the lactation period and the type of infant formula on the content of amino acids and selected minerals in an infant's food; (2) Methods: The study material consisted of breast milk (colostrum, n = 38; transitional milk, mature milk, n = 38) and three types of infant formulas (for first and follow-on feeding). Amino acid content was determined using an automatic amino acid analyzer, while minerals were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique; (3) Results: Breast milk and infant formulas contained a full range of essential amino acids. In most cases, the content of individual amino acids and minerals decreased with increasing lactation. In infant formulas, there were higher contents of phenylalanine, glutamic acid, proline, serine, and tyrosine in follow-on milk (p < 0.05). The EAA/TAA ratio in breast milk and infant formulas was similar, but the milk differed in their qualitative composition. Infant formulas contained levels of individual minerals that were several times higher-especially Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe.; (4) Conclusions: Colostrum is more concentrated, and the level of amino acids and minerals is higher in it; as the milk matures, it decreases. In most cases, the content of individual amino acids and minerals is higher in infant formulas than in human milk, which is established through strict Codex Alimentarius procedures to ensure the proper development of infants.

Effect of dipotassium phosphate addition and heat on proteins and minerals in milk protein beverages

Our objective was to determine the effects of dipotassium phosphate (DKP) addition, heat treatments (no heat, high temperature, short time [HTST]: 72°C for 15 s, and direct steam injection UHT: 142°C for 2.3 s), and storage time on the soluble protein composition and mineral (P, Ca, K) concentration of the aqueous phase around casein micelles in 7.5% milk protein-based beverages made with liquid skim milk protein concentrate (MPC) and micellar casein concentrate (MCC). Milk protein concentrate was produced using a spiral wound polymeric membrane, and MCC was produced using a 0.1-µm ceramic membrane by filtration at 50°C. Two DKP concentrations were used (0% and 0.15% wt/wt) within each of the 3 heat treatments. All beverages had no other additives and ran through heat treatment without coagulation. Ultracentrifugation (2-h run at 4°C) supernatants of the beverages were collected at 1, 5, 8, 12, and 15-d storage at 4°C. Phosphorus, Ca, and K concentrations in the beverages and supernatants were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Protein composition of supernatants was measured using Kjeldahl and sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE. Micellar casein concentrate and MPC beverages with 0.15% DKP had higher concentrations of supernatant protein, Ca, and P than beverages without DKP. Protein, Ca, and P concentrations were higher in MCC supernatant than in MPC supernatant when DKP was added, and these concentrations increased over storage time, especially when lower heat treatments (HTST or no heat treatment) had been applied. Dipotassium phosphate addition caused the dissociation of αS-, β-, and κ-casein, and casein proteolysis products out of the casein micelles, and DKP addition explained over 70% of the increase in supernatant protein, P, and Ca concentrations. Dipotassium phosphate could be removed from 7.5% of protein beverages made with fresh liquid MCC and MPC (containing a residual lactose concentration of 0.6% to 0.7% and the proportional amount of soluble milk minerals), as these beverages maintain heat-processing stability without DKP addition.

Novel insights into the associations between immune cell population distribution in mammary glands and milk minerals in Holstein cows

Udder health has a crucial role in sustainable milk production, and various reports have pointed out that changes in udder condition seem to affect milk mineral content. The somatic cell count (SCC) is the most recognized indicator for the determination of udder health status. Recently, a new parameter, the differential somatic cell count (DSCC), has been proposed for a more detailed evaluation of intramammary infection patterns. Specifically, the DSCC is the combined proportions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes (PMN-LYM) on the total SCC, with macrophages (MAC) representing the remainder proportion. In this study, we evaluated the association between DSCC in combination with SCC on a detailed milk mineral profile in 1,013 Holstein-Friesian cows reared in 5 herds. An inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to quantify 32 milk mineral elements. Two different linear mixed models were fitted to explore the associations between the milk mineral elements and first, the DSCC combined with SCC, and second, DSCC expressed as the PMN-LYM and MAC counts, obtained by multiplying the proportion of PMN-LYM and MAC by SCC. We observed a significant positive association between SCC and milk Na, S, and Fe levels. Differential somatic cell count showed an opposite behavior to the one displayed by SCC, with a negative association with Na and positive association with K milk concentrations. When considering DSCC as count, Na and K showed contrasting behavior when associated with PMN-LYM or MAC counts, with decreasing of Na content and increasing K when associated with increasing PMN-LYM counts, and increasing Na and decreasing K when associated with increasing MAC count. These findings confirmed that an increase in SCC is associated with altered milk Na and K amounts. Moreover, MAC count seemed to mirror SCC patterns, with the worsening of inflammation. Differently, PMN-LYM count exhibited patterns of associations with milk Na and K contents attributable more to LYM than PMN, given the nonpathological condition of the majority of the investigated population. An interesting association was observed for milk S content, which increased with increasing of inflammatory conditions (i.e., increased SCC and MAC count) probably attributable to its relationship with milk proteins, especially whey proteins. Moreover, milk Fe content showed positive associations with the PMN-LYM population, highlighting its role in immune regulation during inflammation. Further studies including individuals with clinical condition are needed to achieve a comprehensive view of milk mineral behavior during udder health impairment.

Influence of ionic strength and temperature on mineral and protein partitioning of skim milk

This study investigated the influence of increased ionic strength (I) induced by addition of NaCl (80–580 mm) to pasteurised skim milk minerals partitioning, casein micelle properties and β-casein partitioning as a function of temperatures (i.e., 4, 10, 25, and 55 °C). Increasing I influenced the partition of divalent minerals in serum phase, especially total and ionic calcium concentration in the serum phase, while it had no effect on monovalent mineral partitioning. pH significantly decreased with increasing I due to changes in mineral equilibria, and increased protein content in the milk serum phase, especially at low temperatures. The average particle size and net zeta-potential decreased with increasing I most pronounced at 25 and 55 °C. The results obtained in this study provide new insights into mineral and protein partitioning of milk as influenced by ionic strength relevant for control of mineral distribution and for the development of new dairy products.

Identification of the animal origin of milk via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The identification of milk's animal origin is traditionally performed by chemical/biochemical techniques. More recently, modern spectroscopic techniques are emerging as more suitable tools for this task. In the present work, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) assisted by machine learning is proposed for the identification of milk animal origin (cow, goat, sheep). For that purpose, 1296 raw liquid milk samples, and 683 lyophilized powdered samples, were studied by LIBS, and the corresponding spectra were analyzed by different machine learning algorithms in view of their classification based on the animal origin. Furthermore, to reduce the spectroscopic data volume, few spectral features related to milk's mineral content were selected and used for the classification of the milk samples. In all cases, predictive models were constructed and evaluated, and the corresponding predictive accuracies were calculated using unknown milk samples. The achieved predictive accuracies using the entire LIBS spectra attained values as high as 92.8 and 95.5% for the liquid and lyophilized powder milk samples, respectively, while using only five spectral lines related to the inorganic content of milk (Mg, Ca, Na, and K), classification accuracies up to 87.6 and 92.9% were obtained for the liquid and lyophilized powder milk samples, respectively. The present findings demonstrate the great potential of LIBS for discriminating milk samples based on animal origin.

Associations between the detailed milk mineral profile, milk composition, and metabolic status in Holstein cows

The causes of variation in the milk mineral profile of dairy cattle during the first phase of lactation were studied under the hypothesis that the milk mineral profile partially reflects the animals' metabolic status. Correlations between the minerals and the main milk constituents (i.e., protein, fat, and lactose percentages), and their associations with the cows' metabolic status indicators were explored. The metabolic status indicators (MET) that we used were blood energy-protein metabolites [nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, and urea], and liver ultrasound measurements (predicted triacylglycerol liver content, portal vein area, portal vein diameter and liver depth). Milk and blood samples, and ultrasound measurements were taken from 295 Holstein cows belonging to 2 herds and in the first 120 d in milk (DIM). Milk mineral contents were determined by ICP-OES; these were considered the response variable and analyzed through a mixed model which included DIM, parity, milk yield, and MET as fixed effects, and the herd/date as a random effect. The MET traits were divided in tertiles. The results showed that milk protein was positively associated with body condition score (BCS) and glucose, and negatively associated with BHB blood content; milk fat was positively associated with BHB content; milk lactose was positively associated with BCS; and Ca, P, K and S were the minerals with the greatest number of associations with the cows' energy indicators, particularly BCS, predicted triacylglycerol liver content, glucose, BHB and urea. We conclude that the protein, fat, lactose, and mineral contents of milk partially reflect the metabolic adaptation of cows during lactation and within 120 DIM. Variations in the milk mineral profile were consistent with changes in the major milk constituents and the metabolic status of cows.

Level and status of selected minerals in Surti buffalo milk and its alcohol stability

Level and status of selected minerals in Surti buffalo milk and its alcohol stability

Effect of dietary seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) supplementation on milk mineral concentrations, transfer efficiency, and hematological parameters in lactating Holstein cows

This study investigated the effect of feeding seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) to dairy cows on milk mineral concentrations, feed-to-milk mineral transfer efficiencies, and hematological parameters. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 46) were allocated to 1 of 2 diets (n = 23 each): (1) control (CON; without seaweed) and (2) seaweed (SWD; replacing 330 g/d of dried corn meal in CON with 330 g/d dried A. nodosum). All cows were fed the CON diet for 4 wk before the experiment (adaptation period), and animals were then fed the experimental diets for 9 wk. Samples included sequential 3-wk composite feed samples, a composite milk sample on the last day of each week, and a blood sample at the end of the study. Data were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with diet, week, and their interaction as fixed factors; cow (nested within diet) as a random factor; and data collected on the last day of the adaptation period as covariates. Feeding SWD increased milk concentrations of Mg (+6.6 mg/kg), P (+56 mg/kg), and I (+1,720 μg/kg). It also reduced transfer efficiency of Ca, Mg, P, K, Mn, and Zn, and increased transfer efficiency of Mo. Feeding SWD marginally reduced milk protein concentrations, whereas there was no effect of SWD feeding on cows' hematological parameters. Feeding A. nodosum increased milk I concentrations, which can be beneficial when feed I concentration is limited or in demographics or populations with increased risk of I deficiency (e.g., female adolescents, pregnant women, nursing mothers). However, care should also be taken when feeding SWD to dairy cows because, in the present study, milk I concentrations were particularly high and could result in I intakes that pose a health risk for children consuming milk.

Evaluation of Parity Effect on Characteristics and Minerals in Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Colostrum and Mature Milk.

Colostrum is a vital performance for buffaloes and potentially functional foods in the future. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the difference between the parity of buffalo colostrum and mature milk. Twenty pregnant buffaloes (primiparous = 10; multiparous = 10) were assigned to the same diet prepartum and milking routine postpartum. Calves were separated from the dams immediately after birth and colostrum was harvested within 2 h, whilst mature milk was harvested at 7 days postpartum. The colostrum was analyzed for immunoglobulin G and milk composition as the mature milk. The results showed that there was a higher level of protein, solid not fat, and milk urea nitrogen (p < 0.05), with a tendency for higher total solids (p = 0.08) in primiparous buffaloes' colostrum compared with multiparous. No parity effect was observed in colostrum immunoglobulin G, fat, lactose, and yields of colostrum and composition (p > 0.05). There was no difference in mature milk composition and yield by parity affected (p > 0.05). Compared with mature milk composition, colostrum had a higher content protein, total solids, solid not fat, and milk urea nitrogen (p < 0.05); however, fat and lactose were lower than that of mature milk (p < 0.05). For minerals, multiparous buffaloes' colostrum had a higher concentration of Fe (p = 0.05), while the mature milk had higher concentrations of K and P compared with primiparous. Buffalo colostrum had higher concentrations of Na, Mg, Co, Fe, and K with a lower concentration of Ca relative to mature milk (p < 0.05). It was observed that parity affected colostrum characteristics rather than mature milk and caused subtle variations in minerals in colostrum and mature milk of buffaloes. As lactation proceeded, both milk composition and minerals in the milk changed drastically.

Analysis of Calcium, Potassium, Iron Levels Due to Variations in Soaking Time for Nuts Almond Milk Production using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Background: Calcium, potassium and iron can be obtained from milk, nuts, eggs, fish, fruit vegetables, green vegetables and products needed by the human body which play a role in maintaining body functions, including cells, tissues, organs and overall function. Objective: Research to determine the levels of these minerals in almond milk using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Method: Almonds were soaked for 4, 8, and 12 hours respectively for almond milk 1, 2, and 3 (SA1, SA2, and SA3) and Almendrola packaged milk (SA4). Samples were wet digested with concentrated HNO3. Analysis of calcium, potassium and iron levels using AAS with an air-acetylene flame was 422.7; 766.5; and 248.3 nm for calcium, potassium and iron respectively. Validated methods include accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ. Results: Results of determining the mineral content of almond milk (mg/100g) for calcium, potassium and iron respectively (2.6551 ± 0.0925; 5.5464 ± 0.3178; 5.8866 ± 0.03805; and 4.5842 ± 0.2590), (2.4096 ± 0.0551; 2.5150 ± 0.0115; 2.6551 ± 0.0557; and 2.5150 ± 0.0551), and (0.3202 ± 0.0282; 0.3307 ± 0.0048; 0.3344 ± 0.011; and 0.3183 ± 0.0045). Conclusion: Validation of the method meets the requirements, soaking impacts increasing mineral levels in Almond Milk, and there are significant differences in calcium, potassium and iron levels in the milk.