A2 milk: Bioaccessibility of essential minerals and the release of amino groups under static in vitro digestion conditions.

Alternative milk products such as A2 milk are gaining popular stand within consumer market, for their healthy profile and expected greater digestibility characteristics. However, total mineral content and its bioaccessible profile have lacked in studies through the years, even more because of their relevance in public health. The present study aimed to evaluate the mineral profile of commercial A2 bovine milk (AT) and estimate the bioaccessibility of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium using the INFOGEST protocol. Non-A2 samples (NAT) were evaluated for comparison purpose. The determination of Ca, Mg, Na and K was performed by FAAS and total P was quantified by colorimetric method. Total protein content was determined by Kjeldahl method. Free amino acids were quantified by OPA method along the in vitro digestion stages. Total content of Ca, Na and P exhibited equivalent results between samples, although A2 milk showed elevated levels of total Mg and K in the analyzed batches. AT showed protein content equivalent to NAT. In addition, levels of free NH2 were observed 2 times higher in AT, during the first hour of pancreatic phase in the intestinal digestion. Bioaccessibility of Ca showed equivalent percentages for AT (12-42 %) and NAT (10-39 %). The observed low values were possibly derived from interferences with saturated fatty acids and standardized electrolytes during digestion. Similar amounts of bioaccessible Mg were found for all milk samples (35-97 %), while A2 samples evidenced percentages of bioaccessible P exceeding 60 % across the three batches. Despite the health benefits associated to A2 milk, the study did not evidence clear distinction from non-A2 milk in terms of enhanced essential mineral solubility in digestive tract simulation, considering the association of greater digestibility expected for A2 milk.

Nutritional quality of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, and new front-of-package labeling (FOPL) in Brazil.

The nutritional quality of 132 plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and 242 plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs) in the Brazilian market was evaluated for nutritional content reported in the labeling. Added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium limits were also observed according to the new Brazilian front-of-pack labeling (FOPL). In general, PBMAs have a considerable content of protein, dietary fiber and reduced content of saturated fat and sodium, while PBDAs have a low Na content, a high content of total and saturated fat, but are poor in protein and dietary fiber. Regarding micronutrients, PBMAs can be considered a source of iron, and PBDAs are a source of calcium. For FOPL, 37% of PBDAs and 21% of PBMAs must have the descriptions "high in saturated fat" and "high in sodium", respectively, on their labels. Therefore, the PBMAs and PBDAs available on the Brazilian market have great potential to contribute to a healthy diet, however, aspects such as the absorption of nutrients and their effects on health and the possibility of total or partial replacement of meat and dairy products should be considered in future investigations. In addition, the data presented are useful to assist consumers, food industries, and regulatory bodies. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05887-w.