Microbiological survey and genomic analysis of Cronobacter sakazakii strains isolated from US households and retail foods.

Cronobacter species are opportunistic pathogens that are capable of causing morbidity and mortality, particularly in infants. Although the transmission dynamics involved in Cronobacter infections remain largely unknown, contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF) has been linked to 30% of Cronobacter sakazakii cases involving invasive illness in infants. As several lines of evidence have implicated the domestic environment in PIF contamination, we undertook a microbiological survey of homes (N = 263) across the US. Cronobacter spp. and C. sakazakii were isolated from 36.1% and 24.7% of US homes, respectively, with higher recovery rates observed for floor and kitchen surfaces. Multi-locus sequence typing indicated that the dominant strain was C. sakazakii ST4, the sequence type most commonly associated with neonatal meningitis. For comparison purposes, retail foods (N = 4,009) were also surveyed, with the highest contamination frequencies (10.1%-26.3%) seen for nut products, seeds, and grains/baked goods/flours. The sequence type profile of isolates recovered from homes mirrored that of isolates recovered from retail foods, with increased representation of ST1, ST4, ST13, ST17, and ST40. Analysis of 386 whole genomic sequences revealed significant diversity. Redundancies were only observed for isolates recovered from within the same domicile, and there were no identical matches with sequences archived at the NCBI pathogen database. Genes coding for putative virulence and antibiotic resistance factors did not segregate with clinically significant sequence types. Collectively, these findings support the possibility that contamination events occurring within the home should not be overlooked as a contributor to community-onset Cronobacter infections. IMPORTANCE: Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. Its transmission dynamics are poorly understood, though powered infant formula (PIF) is thought to be the major transmission vehicle. How the PIF becomes contaminated remains unknown. Our survey shows that roughly 1/4 of US homes are contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, particularly in the kitchen setting. Our analyses suggest that the domestic environment may contribute to contamination of PIF and provides insights into mitigating the risk of transmission.

Targeted quantification and untargeted exploration of furan and derivatives in infant food by headspace extraction-gas chromatography-Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry.

The aim of the present study was to assess the performance and complementarity of methods capable of both quantifying furan, 2-Methylfuran (2-MF) and 3-Methylfuran (3-MF) in infant foods, but also to comprehensively explore other furan derivatives. It is more particularly a question of validating and comparing the couplings of the two headspace extraction methods most used for the analysis of furan compounds - Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and Static HeadSpace (SHS) - with gas chromatography hyphenated to a high-resolution mass detector (Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS) which allows both targeted quantification and suspect screening. Firstly, the accuracy profile approach was implemented to assess, validate and compare HS-SPME- and SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS for the quantification of furan in two model infant foods, apple puree and first infant formula. SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS, showed better accuracy (uncertainty < 17.2 % vs 22.5 % for HS-SPME GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS) and better sensitivity (LOQ < 2.8 vs LOQ < 4.0 µg/kg) over a broader validation range (2-100 µg/kg vs 5-100 µg/kg in apple puree). Secondly, SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS was assessed and validated by accuracy profile for the quantification of 2-MF and 3-MF, with performance close to those for furan except for 3-MF in apple puree. Thirdly, SHS-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS was used to quantify the levels of these compounds in 20 commercial samples (n = 3) belonging to the four main categories of infant food (infant formulae, fruit purees, infant cereals, vegetable/fish baby meals). Furan was quantified in 75 % of the samples, with maximum levels in the vegetable/fish-based infant foods (up to 127 µg/kg) while 2-MF and 3-MF were quantified in 45 % and 15 % of products respectively, with maximum levels of 14.1 µg/kg in follow-on formula 3rd age and 9.2 µg/kg in apple puree. Finally, SHS- and HS-SPME-GC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap MS data of the 20 infant products were processed in suspect screening mode using Compound DiscovererTM software. Coupling with HS-SPME, it made it possible to identify 13 additional furan derivatives, i.e. 5 more than with SHS. The relevance and safety status of the compounds identified are discussed.

Human milk fat substitutes rich in 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol and 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol simultaneously: Preparation strategy and simulated infant in vitro digestion.

In this study, fractionated palm stearin, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were selected as the base materials to prepare human milk fat substitutes (HMFS) rich in OPO and OPL by enzymatic acidolysis combined with physical blending. Under optimum conditions, contents of OPO, OPL, and sn-2 palmitic acid in the OPO and OPL-rich triacylglycerols (TAGs) were higher than that in commercial OPO-rich TAGs, with values of 37.25%, 28.12%, and 79.44%, respectively. Physical blending the OPO and OPL-rich TAGs (47%), bovine milk fat (18%), sunflower oil (13%), coconut oil (13%), corn oil (8%), and palm oil (1%) can obtain HMFS with a fat composition that like HMF. The fatty acid, sn-2 saturated fatty acid, and TAG contents of HMFS were within the lower and upper limit of HMF. The lipolysis degree of infant formula (IF) with HMFS as fat source is 9.0% higher than that of commercial plant oil-based infant formula (PIF), and 3.4% lower than that of human milk. IF with HMFS as fat source released less saturated free fatty acids and more saturated monoacylglycerols during digestion than that of PIF, which would help improve the IF fat utilization by infants.

Health professionals' counselling on the use of infant formula: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Many parents experience lack of support and access to resources on how to prepare, handle, and provide formula milk to their infants. The purpose of this scoping review was to map and describe key information in existing research about how healthcare professionals receive information and how they inform and counsel parents about formula milk. DESIGN: A scoping review fulfilling the PRISMA-ScR checklist criteria used systematic searches targeting the study objective in the databases Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL on February 8th and 9th, 2022. RESULTS: Six studies with 959 participants in total were included. The research designs were focus group studies with and without combining individual interviews, an individual interview study, a study consisting of individual interviews and ethnographic observations, a survey, and a two-phase study consisting of a qualitative interview and a quantitative survey. Findings indicate lack of evidence-based information provided about infant formula by health care professionals when they counsel parents on formula feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies focus on how healthcare professionals inform and counsel parents about formula milk. Health authorities should provide more evidence-based information to make formula feeding more feasible. Due to conflicting and omitted information, mothers often receive poor counselling on formula feeding.

Breastfeeding Duration Reduces the Risk of Childhood Leukemia and Modifies the Risk of Developing Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the duration of breastfeeding in infancy reduces the risk of childhood leukemia or lymphoma, and modifies the risk of developing functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Subjects and Methods: This case-control study involved the recruitment of children with lymphoid malignancy and functional gastrointestinal symptoms with healthy children as controls. Focused questionnaires were used to collect data on breastfeeding history and other key risk factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken. Results: Of the 334 children with lymphoid malignancy, 65% were male. The control group included 334 age- and sex-matched participants. Most (n = 189; 56.6%) of the children with leukemia were <10 years of age. Differences between cases and controls included the duration of breastfeeding (p < 0.0001), mean birthweight (p < 0.001), maternal age (p < 0.001), paternal age (p < 0.001), birth order (p < 0.001), mean number of children (p < 0.001), BMI percentile (p = 0.042), and maternal smoking (p = 0.012). Breastfeeding duration of up to 6 months' duration, when compared with feeding of longer than 6 months, was associated with increased odds ratios (OR) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OR = 3.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.37-4.98; p < 0.001), Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.88-2.84, p = 0.120), Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.25-3.65, p = 0.005), and overall (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.40-2.71, p < 0.001). Cases also differed from controls with regard to FGIDs, such as stomach ache (p < 0.001), dyspepsia (p < 0.001), early satiety (p = 0.017), bowel satisfaction (p < 0.001), bloating (p < 0.001), nausea (p = 0.005), vomiting (p = 0.039), constipation (p = 0.003), diarrhea (p = 0.010), gastrointestinal canal congestion (p =0.039), muscle aches pains (p = 0.008), fecal incontinence (p = 0.021), and indigestion (p = 0.003). A multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that maternal smoking (p < 0.001), formula feeding (p < 0.001), duration of breastfeeding (p < 0.001), birth order (p = 0.002), mother's age (p = 0.004) and the child's birthweight (p = 0.009) were predictors for leukemia. Further analysis showed that dyspepsia (p < 0.001), gastrointestinal tract canal congestion (p < 0.001), constipation (p = 0.009), diarrhea (p = 0.013), bowel satisfaction (p = 0.021), bloating (p = 0.022), duration of breastfeeding (p < 0.001), and stomach ache (p = 0.025) were significant predictors for developing FGID symptoms after adjusting for age, gender, and other confounding variables. Conclusion: This study confirmed that breastfeeding has some effect on reducing possible risk of childhood lymphoma and leukemia and FGID symptoms compared with healthy control children.

Infant growth and tolerance with a formula based on novel native demineralized whey: A randomized double-blind pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects on infant growth and tolerance of a Test infant formula based on a novel whey extraction and demineralization process, compared to a Standard formula and a breastfed reference arm. METHODS: Healthy term infants (n = 61) aged up to 21 days were randomized to Test or Control formula. A breastfed group (n = 39) served as a reference. Growth, tolerance, adverse events, and sleep were evaluated every month until 6 months of age. Plasma amino-acid concentrations at 3 months of age were measured in a subgroup population. RESULTS: Growth curves of all infants globally agreed with World Health Organization standards across the 6-months period study. Regarding tolerance, no difference between the formula-fed groups was observed on daily number of crying episodes, intensity or time to onset of regurgitations, and stool frequency or consistency, except at 5 months with infants in the Control group having more watery stools. Plasma concentration of some amino acids differed between the groups, especially tryptophan concentration which was higher in infants fed with the Test formula. In parallel, total sleep duration was longer in these infants at 2, 3, and 5 months of age, corresponding to an increase in daytime sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Test formula supported an adequate infant growth from birth to 6 months of age and was well-tolerated by all infants. An increase in total sleep at several months was also observed with the Test formula.

Occurrence, evaluation, and human health risk assessment of ochratoxin a in infant formula and cereal-based baby food: a global literature systematic review.

This study reviews global levels of ochratoxin A (OTA) in infant formula and cereal-based foods, using Monte Carlo simulation to assess risks. The review found 24 studies on global OTA levels in infant food and cereal-based products, using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase until March 2024. We estimated OTA exposure in infant food based on concentration, intake and body weight. The exposure and hazard quotient margin were calculated using BMDL10 and TDI values. Monte Carlo simulation evaluated human health risks from OTA in infant formula and cereal-based foods. A global study from 14 countries shows varying levels, surpassing EU limits in Tunisia, Ecuador, the USA, and generally in Africa, notably in infant cereals, which had higher levels than formula. Globally, OTA was present in 29.3% of the 3348 samples analyzed, with Lebanon at 95.2% and Brazil at 0%. Analysis indicates only non-carcinogenic risk for infants. While health risks for infants are mostly low, ongoing research and monitoring are vital to minimize OTA exposure in infant food.

Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation and Neurocognitive Development: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Given the limited evidence, there is no conclusive proof of the neurocognitive benefits of bovine milk fat globule membrane supplementation in infant formula. This study evaluates the neurocognitive benefits of bovine milk fat globule membrane supplementation in formula, comparing it to standard formula and assessing its noninferiority to breast milk. Data were sourced from studies published between January 2000 and March 2024 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. Eight randomized controlled trials involving 1352 healthy term neonates, infants, and children up to 2 years old were included. Bovine milk fat globule membrane supplementation was significantly associated with improved cognitive development (mean difference: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.65 to 4.93, p < 0.001) and demonstrated minimal heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.564). It showed significant improvement in executive function but not in language, motor, or social-emotional development. In non-inferiority analysis, there was no significant difference compared to breast milk regarding cognitive development. These findings support bovine milk fat globule membrane as a valuable addition to infant formula for cognitive benefits.

Gastrointestinal Tolerance of Formula-Fed Infants During the Immediate Postnatal Period in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study.

Objective. Feeding intolerance during the early postnatal period can be distressing for families. To assess this, infants (n = 150) of mothers who had previously decided to exclusively or partially formula feed were enrolled ≤24 hours after birth. Methods. Infants were fed with a single ready-to-feed, 100% partially hydrolyzed whey protein-based formula until discharge, in accordance with standard hospital practice. Parents recorded daily the presence/severity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms/behaviors, rated from 0 (never) to 5 (always). A validated questionnaire was completed at discharge to evaluate symptoms of GI discomfort; scores can range from 0 to ~140 (lower scores indicate fewer symptoms). Results. Mean ± SD daily scores ranged from 0.12 ± 0.40 (fussiness/irritability) to 1.26 ± 0.90 (spitting up), indicating that GI symptoms/behaviors occurred, on average, "never" or "almost never." Mean GI discomfort scores were also very low (9.9 ± 7.4). Conclusion. These results indicate that the ready-to-feed formula was very well accepted and well tolerated during this period among healthy newborns in Saudi Arabia.

The journey toward disease modification in cow milk protein allergy.

Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in the pediatric age worldwide. Prevalence, persistence, and severity of this condition are on the rise, with a negative impact on the health-related quality of life of the patients and families and on the costs related to its management. Another relevant issue is that CMPA in early life may be the first stage of the "allergic march," leading to the occurrence of other atopic manifestations later in life, especially asthma, atopic eczema, urticaria, and rhinoconjunctivitis. Thus, "disease modification" options that are able to modulate the disease course of pediatric patients affected by CMPA would be very welcomed by affected families and healthcare systems. In this review, we report the most relevant progress on this topic.

[Comparison study of the new national standard infant formula and dietary reference intakes 2023].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the relationship between the nutrient limit in new national standard Infant Formula(GB 10765-2021)(New GB)and the corresponding nutrients in Dietary Reference Intakes for China 2023(DRIs 2023), to determine the scientific and reasonable base of each nutrient in New GB, and provide supports for future revision of it. METHODS: Using a data conversion method, the adequate intake(AI) of each nutrient recommended by DRIs 2023 for infants aged 0-6 months and the nutrient limit in the New GB were input into the Excel table. Based on authoritative data on the representative weight of 0-6 month infants and the recommended energy values, the conversion was done, the ratio of the lower limit of each nutrient in New GB and the AI of corresponding nutrient, as well as the ratio of the upper limit of nutrients in New GB and their tolerable upper intake level(UL) were calculated. RESULTS: For most nutrients in New GB for infant formula, the ratio of the lower limit to their AI is close to 1. For those nutrients with a large ratio of the lower limit to AI, or with a ratio of the upper limit to UL were greater than 1, detail analysis was conducted. CONCLUSION: Based on DRIs 2023, the nutrient limit for each nutrient in New GB for infant formula was scientific and reasonable. For some nutrients with a large ratio, more studies should be done in the future to determine whether the limit in National Standard need to be adjusted.

[Digital marketing of commercial infant formula in Argentina: a digital ethnographic study]. / Marketing digital de fórmulas comerciales infantiles en Argentina: un estudio etnográfico digital.

Although evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding is widespread, there are several challenges to initiate and sustain it. Infant formula companies use marketing strategies that violate existing regulations, contributing to its early abandonment. We explore the digital marketing exposure of infant formulas in Argentina by analyzing people's interactions with brands and the traces of these interactions in conversations engaged in Facebook groups during 2022, from a qualitative approach based on digital ethnography. Results show that companies deploy regulatory avoidance tactics and seek contact with mothers. Users do not interact with the accounts but are exposed to their strategies given the correlation between product attributes present in advertising with their motivations and aspirations. The mediators between marketing and mothers are medical professionals, used as marketing resources. We conclude that authorities should promote new agreements on the practices of medical professionals and develop regulations taking into account digital environments.

Si bien es extendida la evidencia de los beneficios de la lactancia materna, diversos son los desafíos para iniciarla y sostenerla. Las empresas productoras de fórmulas infantiles utilizan estrategias de marketing violatorias de las regulaciones existentes, contribuyendo a su temprano abandono. Exploramos la exposición al marketing digital de las fórmulas infantiles en Argentina mediante el análisis de las interacciones de la población con las marcas y las huellas de dichas interacciones en conversaciones entabladas en grupos de Facebook durante 2022, desde un enfoque cualitativo basado en la etnografía digital. Los resultados muestran que las empresas despliegan tácticas elusivas de las regulaciones y buscan el contacto con las madres. Las usuarias no interactúan con las cuentas, pero están expuestas a sus estrategias dado el correlato entre los atributos del producto presentes en la publicidad con sus motivaciones y aspiraciones. Los mediadores entre el marketing y las madres son los profesionales médicos, utilizados como recursos del marketing. Concluimos que las autoridades deben promover nuevos acuerdos sobre las prácticas de los profesionales médicos y desarrollar regulaciones teniendo en cuenta los entornos digitales.

"I could not find the strength to resist the pressure of the medical staff, to refuse to give commercial milk formula": a qualitative study on effects of the war on Ukrainian women's infant feeding.

Introduction: During emergencies, breastfeeding protects infants by providing essential nutrients, food security, comfort, and protection and is a priority lifesaving intervention. On February 24, 2022, the war in Ukraine escalated, creating a humanitarian catastrophe. The war has resulted in death, injuries, and mass internal displacement of over 5 million people. A further 8.2 million people have taken refuge in neighboring countries, including Poland. Among those impacted are infants and young children and their mothers. We conducted a study to explore the infant feeding challenges and needs of Ukrainian women affected by the war. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 75 war-affected Ukrainian mothers who had at least one infant aged less than 12 months at the time of the interview. Eligible mothers were either (1) living as Ukrainian refugees in Poland, having crossed the border from Ukraine on or after February 24, 2022, when the war started (n = 30) or (2) living in Ukraine as internally displaced persons or as residents in the community (n = 45). All interviews were audio-recorded (either transcribed or had responses summarized as expanded notes) and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis using a two-step rapid analysis process. Results: Participants in Ukraine who wanted to initiate breastfeeding right after birth faced opposition from healthcare workers at maternity hospitals. Ukrainian refugees who gave birth in Poland faced language barriers when seeking breastfeeding support. Half of the participants in Ukraine received commercial milk formula (CMF) donations even if they said they did not need them. Most respondents stated that breastfeeding information and support were urgently needed. Conclusion: Our data suggests that healthcare workers in Ukrainian maternity hospitals require additional training and motivation on delivering breastfeeding support. In addition, lactation consultants in maternity ward are needed in Ukraine, and interpretation support is needed for refugees to overcome language barriers. There is a need to control the indiscriminate donations of commercial milk formula and to ensure that complementary foods and commercial milk formula are available to those that need it. This study confirms the need for actions to ensure infant and young child feeding (IYCF) support is provided during emergencies.

Growth and gut comfort of healthy term infants exclusively fed with a partially hydrolysed protein-based infant formula: a randomized controlled double-blind trial.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate growth and gut comfort of healthy infants fed with a partially hydrolysed cow's milk protein-based infant formula (pHF) compared to a standard intact cow's milk protein-based formula (IPF). Methods: A double-blind, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial was performed. Healthy full-term, exclusively formula-fed infants (n = 345), aged ≤28 days were allocated to consume either a pHF (n = 173) or an IPF (n = 172) until the age of 17 weeks. The primary outcome was equivalence of weight gain (g/d) until the age of 17 weeks. The secondary outcomes were equivalence of other growth parameters, i.e., infants' weight, length, head circumference, body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric Z-scores, while tertiary outcomes were gut comfort, formula intake, and adverse events (AEs). Results: Overall, 288 infants completed the study (pHF group: 138, IPF group: 150). No differences were observed between the two groups in weight gain (g/d) during the three-months intervention [p = 0.915 for the Per Protocol (PP) population]. The 90% CI was [-1.252 to 1.100] being within the pre-defined equivalence margin of ±3.0 g/d. Similar findings were observed in the Full Analysis Set (FAS) and the sensitivity analysis. Regarding the secondary outcomes, no differences over the intervention period were shown between the two groups in both the PP and FAS analysis sets. Average Z-scores were in the normal range based on World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards for both groups at all time points in both analysis sets. Stool consistency, amount, and colour were different in the two groups. No differences were observed in gut comfort, stool frequency, and formula intake, between the two groups. In total 14 AEs and 22 serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported of which 15 (12%) and 1 (5%) were considered as (possibly) related to the study product, respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the consumption of pHF results in adequate infant growth, equivalent to that of infants consuming IPF. Furthermore, the overall gut comfort was comparable between the two groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that the pHF is safe for and well tolerated by healthy infants. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05757323?id=NCT05757323&rank=1, identifier (NCT05757323).

Infant Formula with 50% or More of Palmitic Acid Bound to the sn-2 Position of Triacylglycerols Eliminate the Association between Formula-Feeding and the Increase of Fecal Palmitic Acid Levels in Newborns: An Exploratory Study.

The binding ratio of palmitic acid (PA) at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols in infant formulas is lower than that in breast milk, resulting in higher levels of fecal PA. Even if the ratio is increased to 40-50%, fecal PA levels in formula-fed infants remain higher than those in breast-fed infants. In Japan, infant formulas with 50% or more of PA bound to sn-2 (high sn-2 PA milk) are commercially available; however, their effects on PA excretion have not been investigated. Therefore, this observational study aimed to preliminarily evaluate whether the feeding volume of high sn-2 PA milk is significantly associated with fecal total/soaped PA levels in newborns. Infant formulas were classified as high (≥50% of PA bound to sn-2) or low sn-2 (<50%) PA milk. Associations between feeding volume of high or low sn-2 PA milk and fecal PA levels were evaluated using multiple regression analysis models. The results showed that the feeding volume of low sn-2 PA milk was positively associated with fecal total/soaped PA levels, while there was no significant association between those of high sn-2 PA milk and fecal total/soaped PA levels. Our preliminary study suggests that high sn-2 PA milk may reduce increased fecal PA levels in formula-fed newborns.

Impact of a minimally processing route for the production of infant formulas on their sensory properties.

Infant formulas (IFs), the sole adequate substitute to human milk, undergo several thermal treatments during production that can damage milk proteins and promote the formation of Maillard reaction products, modifying nutritional and sensory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a minimally processing route based on membrane filtration associated with different levels of heat treatment, on the odor, taste, texture and color attributes of IFs, then to compare with those of commercial milks. Three experimental IFs (produced with membrane filtration associated with low - T-, medium - T+, or high thermal treatments - T+++) were evaluated. Triangular tests conducted with a panel of 50 adults highlighted clear disparities between all the IFs. The same panel applied the Check-All-That-Apply method to evaluate the IFs: the range of variability between T- and T+++ was similar to that between the 2 commercial IFs, and the sensory characteristics of the experimental IFs were not far from the commercial brands for flavor and texture attributes. Analysis performed on the citation frequencies for each descriptor differentiated T-/T+ from T+++, but all the experimental IFs were described with positive sensory characteristics, unlike one commercial IF. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content of IFs with low and high thermal treatments were analyzed. Forty VOCs were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. T- contained a higher quantity of VOCs than T+++, except for benzaldehyde (Maillard reaction product), and aldehydes (oxidation-related products) were the most represented compounds. In conclusion, the processing was associated with sensory differences among IFs, but no marked difference in flavors was found according to CATA and physicochemical analysis. Additionally, no unpleasant sensory descriptors were noted. This shows that the minimally processed route leads to IFs that could fit well within the market from a sensory point of view.

Science and Faith to Understand Milk Bioactivity for Infants.

Milk bioactivity refers to the specific health effects of milk components beyond nutrition. The science of milk bioactivity involves the systematic study of these components and their health effects, as verified by empirical data, controlled experiments, and logical arguments. Conversely, 'faith in milk bioactivity' can be defined as personal opinion, meaning, value, trust, and hope for health effects that are beyond investigation by natural, social, or human sciences. Faith can be strictly secular, but also influenced by spirituality or religion. The aim of this paper is to show that scientific knowledge is frequently supplemented with faith convictions to establish personal and public understanding of milk bioactivity. Mammalian milk is an immensely complex fluid containing myriad proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and micronutrients with multiple functions across species, genetics, ages, environments, and cultures. Human health includes not only physical health, but also social, mental, and spiritual health, requiring widely different fields of science to prove the relevance, safety, and efficacy of milk interventions. These complex relationships between milk feeding and health outcomes prevent firm conclusions based on science and logic alone. Current beliefs in and understanding of the value of breast milk, colostrum, infant formula, or isolated milk proteins (e.g., immunoglobulins, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and growth factors) show that both science and faith contribute to understand, stimulate, or restrict the use of milk bioactivity. The benefits of breastfeeding for infants are beyond doubt, but the strong beliefs in its health effects rely not only on science, and mechanisms are unclear. Likewise, fear of, or trust in, infant formula may rely on both science and faith. Knowledge from science safeguards individuals and society against 'milk bioactivity superstition'. Conversely, wisdom from faith-based convictions may protect science from unrealistic 'milk bioactivity scientism'. Honesty and transparency about the potentials and limitations of both scientific knowledge and faith convictions are important when informing individuals and society about the nutritious and bioactive qualities of milk.

An assessment of the sensory drivers influencing consumer preference in infant formula, assessed via sensory evaluation and GC-O-MS.

Consumer partiality for food products is related to purchase and consumption behavior, and are influenced by sensory preferences. The sensory and chemical drivers behind consumer preference in the infant formula (IF) were analyzed. A total of 31 aroma-active compounds were identified, playing an important role in the production of off-flavors (especially fishy). Combined with the correlation analysis, the key aroma substances affecting the sensory attributes of IF were initially identified. A21, A22, B9 represented the key substances responsible for producing milky and creamy, while A2, A5, A11, A12, B5, C15, H5 primarily produced fishy. In addition, the two sensory attributes namely milky and creamy, and the T-sweet were more strongly correlated with consumer preference. Therefore, it can be concluded that consumers are more interested in the main flavor of the product than the off-flavor. These findings will inform the quality control of IF and the maintenance of sensory quality.

Vaccine response was higher in formula-fed infants compared to breastfed but not affected by lactoferrin or iron in a randomised controlled trial.

AIM: To examine how reduced iron content and added bovine lactoferrin in infant formula affect the antibody response following routine immunisation. METHODS: In this randomised controlled trial, 180 Swedish formula-fed infants received, from 6 weeks to 6 months of age, a 2 mg/L iron formula with (n = 72) or without (n = 72) bovine lactoferrin, or a control formula with 8 mg/L iron and no lactoferrin (n = 36). Another 72 infants were recruited as a breastfed reference. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), diphtheria and tetanus were assessed at four, six and 12 months of age. RESULTS: With an equal gender distribution, 180 + 72 term infants were included with a mean age of 7.0 ± 0.7 weeks. At 12 months, infants fed low iron formula showed a significantly higher geometric mean Hib IgG (1.40 µg/mL [1.07-1.83]) compared to the control formula infants (0.67 µg/mL [0.42-1.07]). For all three vaccines, breastfed infants had significantly lower IgG levels at six and 12 months of age. CONCLUSION: Except for higher Hib IgG levels at 12 months in infants fed low iron formula, the interventions did not affect vaccine IgG response. Unexpectedly, breastfed infants had significantly lower vaccine IgG levels compared to formula-fed infants.