Occurrence, sources, and pathways of chemical contaminants in infant formulas.

Infant formulas are manufactured products to meet specific nutritional requirements for infants. However, infant formulas can contain harmful substances, such as chemical contaminants and residues, normally due to possible contamination of the raw material or from the production chain. Some studies have demonstrated that veterinary drugs, pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, packaging materials, within other chemicals are found in infant formulas from different sources of contamination. It is known that some of these substances can be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic, immunotoxic, contributing to antibiotic resistance, among other detrimental consequences for consumers' health. The purpose of this review is to assess the scientific evidence concerning the occurrence, sources, and pathways of contamination, as well as the detrimental impacts on infant health due to the possible presence of chemical contaminants and residues in infant formulas. Moreover, strategies to reduce the risk of contamination of infant formulas are presented to ensure the highest standards of quality of infant formulas. The entire infant formula manufacturing process should be monitored and controlled to minimize the risk of contamination during processing, storage, and distribution, besides ensuring the use of raw materials with as low as acceptable levels of harmful substances in order to assure that the final product shall comply with the maximum levels and maximum residue limits, when established, for residues and contaminants in the final product.

Mothers living with HIV: replacing breastfeeding by infant formula / Madres viviendo con VIH: la sustitución de la lactancia por una fórmula láctea infantil / Mães vivendo com HIV: a substituição do aleitamento por fórmula láctea infantil

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore factors that interact and shape the meaning and experience of mothers of HIV-exposed children in relation to replacing breastfeeding by infant formula. Method: A qualitative study was carried out with 23 mothers living with HIV, whose children were up to 18 months of age and under follow-up in a specialized care service. Symbolic Interactionism, semi-structured interviews and content analysis were adopted as theoretical framework. Results: The social symbols of breastfeeding, the (un)availability of the milk formula and the (lack of)support of health professionals influenced the mothers' experience with formula feeding. Social, cultural and economic constraints have proved capable of undermining the conditions necessary for the replacement of breastfeeding. Final considerations: The availability of infant formula, access to lactation inhibitor and quality of health services still represent challenges to eradicate new HIV infections in children.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Explorar los factores que interactúan y moldean el significado y la experiencia de madres de niños expuestos al VIH en relación a la sustitución de la lactancia por una fórmula láctea infantil. Método: Estudio cualitativo, con 23 madres viviendo con VIH, cuyos hijos tenían hasta 18 meses de edad y estaban bajo seguimiento en servicio de asistencia especializada. Se adoptaron el Interaccionismo Simbólico como referencial teórico, entrevistas semiestructuradas y el análisis de contenido. Resultados: Los símbolos sociales de la lactancia, la (in) disponibilidad de la fórmula láctea y el (des) apoyo de los profesionales de la salud influenciaron a la experiencia de las madres con la alimentación por una fórmula láctea. Los cercos sociales, culturales y económicos se mostraron capaces de perjudicar las condiciones necesarias para la sustitución de la lactancia materna. Consideraciones finales: La disponibilidad de la fórmula láctea infantil, el acceso al inhibidor de la lactancia y la calidad de los servicios de salud todavía representan desafíos para eliminar nuevas infecciones por el VIH en niños.

RESUMO Objetivo: Explorar os fatores que interagem e moldam o significado e a experiência de mães de crianças expostas ao HIV em relação à substituição do aleitamento por fórmula láctea infantil. Método: Estudo qualitativo, com 23 mães vivendo com HIV, cujos filhos tinham até 18 meses de idade e estavam sob acompanhamento em serviço de assistência especializado. Foram adotados o Interacionismo Simbólico como referencial teórico, entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Os símbolos sociais da amamentação, a (in)disponibilidade da fórmula láctea e o (des)apoio dos profissionais de saúde influenciaram a experiência das mães com a alimentação por fórmula láctea. Cerceamentos sociais, culturais e econômicos mostraram-se capazes de prejudicar as condições necessárias para a substituição do aleitamento materno. Considerações finais: A disponibilidade da fórmula láctea infantil, o acesso ao inibidor de lactação e a qualidade dos serviços de saúde ainda representam desafios para eliminar novas infecções pelo HIV em crianças.

Co-occurrence of mycotoxins in commercial formula milk and cereal-based baby food on the Qatar market.

The present study was conducted to explore the occurrence of mycotoxins in commercial baby foods in Doha-Qatar. LCMS/MS- and HPLC-based analysis of baby food (n = 67) for 12 mycotoxins confirmed the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1, 33%), ochratoxin A (OTA, 31%), deoxynivalenol (DON, 27%), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 22%), fumonisin B2 (FB2, 10%), zearalenone (ZEN, 4%) and T-2 toxin (2%). Noodles exhibited the maximum contamination percentage, with 33% of the samples being contaminated above the EU maximum limits, for at least one mycotoxin. Among the multi-grain flake samples, up to 28% and for the milk and milk-based-cereal samples, 14% contained at least one mycotoxin above the EU maximum limits. From all cereal-based food samples, 22%, 5%, 2% and 2% were concurrently contaminated with 2, 3, 4 and 5 mycotoxins, respectively. The occurrence of toxicological important mycotoxins in Qatari market warrants the implementation of strict regulatory limits to protect human health.

Condições higienicossanitárias das instalações e dos procedimentos de elaboração e distribuição de fórmulas infantis em um lactário de um hospital de Itajaí ­ SC / Sanitary and hygienic conditions of the facilities and the procedures of elaboration and distribution of infant formulas in a lactara of a hospital of Itajaí ­ SC

Este estudo objetivou avaliar as condições higienicossanitárias das instalações e dos procedimentos de elaboração e distribuição de fórmulas infantis em um lactário de um hospital de Itajaí/SC. Foi aplicado um checklist de inspeção sanitária dividido em dados gerais e setorizados e o desenvolvimento do sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC). Como complemento, foram analisadas microbiologicamente as mãos de todas as lactaristas e cinco bicos de mamadeiras coletados aleatoriamente. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o grupo "dados gerais" obteve o percentual de conformidade de 88,18%, classificando-se como bom. O resultado do grupo "dados setorizados" alcançou 70,76% de conformidade, com classificação regular. As contagens de micro-organismos mesófilos aeróbios confirmaram a eficácia do processo de esterilização dos bicos das mamadeiras. As contagens de Staphylococcus aureus nas mãos demonstraram que 50% (n=2) das lactaristas apresentaram colônias acima do limite estabelecido. As informações obtidas do fluxograma das mamadeiras permitiram a identificação dos Pontos Críticos de Controle - PCC nas etapas de cocção, resfriamento, manutenção 1, manutenção 2 e distribuição com base na avaliação dos ingredientes e nas etapas do processo desde o recebimento até a distribuição. Conclui-se que a contaminação microbiológica nas mãos das lactaristas, além do não respeito ao tempo de 1 hora entre a etapa de manutenção 2 e distribuição, não garante a segurança higienicossanitária necessária das mamadeiras, possibilitando possíveis surtos de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos (DTAs) aos lactentes. Sugere-se maior rigor na supervisão do processo, capacitação em higiene pessoal e de utensílios, além da implantação do controle de tempo principalmente nas etapas citadas.(AU)

Selection of possible signature peptides for the detection of bovine lactoferrin in infant formulas by LC-MS/MS.

An LC-MS/MS assay based on a signature peptide was developed and fully validated for the quantitation of bovine lactoferrin in infant formulas. Three unreported signature peptides were derived and identified from the tryptic peptides of bovine lactoferrin. The peptide ETTVFENLPEK was used for quantification based on assay performance. The blank matrix camel milk powder and bovine lactoferrin protein standards were mixed and spiked with stable isotope-labeled internal standard to establish a calibration curve. The established method was extensively validated by determining the linearity (R2 > 0.999), sensitivity (limit of quantitation, 0.16 mg/100 g), recovery (83.1-91.6%), precision (RSD < 5.4%) and repeatability (RSD < 7.7%). To validate the applicability of the method, four different brands of infant formulas in China were analysed. The acquired contents of bovine lactoferrin were 52.60-150.56 mg/100 g.

Comparative study on the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in breast milk and infant formula and risk assessment.

The study compared the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) profile of human milk collected from Italian mothers and different brands of infant formula available on Italian market. Levels of 14 PAHs most frequently occurred in food, PAH markers listed by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, and carcinogenic PAHs classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. The average concentrations of total PAHs were 114.93 in breast milk and 53.68 µg kg-1 in infant formula. Furthermore, Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and the sum of ∑PAH4 markers (BaP, Chrysene, Benzo(a,h)anthracene and Benzo(b)fluoranthene) were higher than the permissible limit of 1 µg kg-1 in 43% and 86% for breast milk and in 10% and 76% for infant formula samples, respectively. Breast milk showed higher levels (P < 0.05) of carcinogenic, and possible carcinogenic hydrocarbons than infant formula samples. Both in human and commercial milk, data showed the occurrence of low and high molecular weight PAHs, respectively from petrogenic and pyrolytic environmental sources, characterizing the infant and mother exposure. Particularly, waste incineration could have represented an important exposure source for infants during breastfeeding, through exposition of mothers resident in some areas of Southern Italy. High PAH levels detected in infant formula enriched with LC-PUFA might be related to the contamination of the vegetable oils added as ingredients. Results showed a high percentage of samples of both breast milk and infant formulas with margin of exposure (MOE) value indicating a potential concern for consumer health.

Nonthermal Inactivation of Cronobacter sakazakii in Infant Formula Milk: A Review.

Up-to-date, nonthermal technologies and combinations of them, in accordance with the "hurdle technology" concept, are being applied by different research groups in response to calls by the International Food and Human Health Organizations (ESPGHAN, 2004; FAO/WHO, 2006, 2008) for alternatives to thermal control of Cronobacter sakazakii in reconstituted powdered infant formula milk. This review highlights (i) current knowledge on the application of nonthermal technologies to control C. sakazakii in infant formula milk and (ii) the importance of the application of nonthermal technologies for the control of C. sakazakii as part of the development of strategies in the context of improving food safety and quality of this product.

Antioxidant activities of annatto and palm tocotrienol-rich fractions in fish oil and structured lipid-based infant formula emulsion.

The abilities of annatto and palm tocotrienol-rich fractions (TRFs), as natural antioxidants, to inhibit lipid oxidation in menhaden fish oil and structured lipid-based infant formula emulsion, were evaluated and compared. The peroxide and anisidine values of the bulk oil and oil-in-water emulsion samples stored at 37°C were measured over a 28-day period. The results showed that annatto TRF was a more effective antioxidant than palm TRF and α-tocopherol in both food systems at 0.02% and 0.05%. Factors, including structural differences in chromanol head and isoprenoid tail, polarity, concentration, oxidation time, and the method used to monitor lipid oxidation, were responsible for the different behaviours of tocopherols and tocotrienols. In contrast to the reported findings in vivo, addition of α-tocopherol (0-75%) did not interfere with the antioxidant activity of tocopherol-free annatto TRF in foods. Our findings may lead to the development of new natural antioxidant products for food applications.

Short communication: investigation of aflatoxin M1 levels in infant follow-on milks and infant formulas sold in the markets of Ankara, Turkey.

Aflatoxins are fungal toxins known to be carcinogenic and are classified as food contaminants. This study was performed to investigate aflatoxin (AF) M1 levels in baby foods sold in Ankara (Turkey) and to evaluate the obtained results according to the Turkish Food Codex (TFC). For this purpose, a total of 84 baby food samples (50 follow-on milks and 34 infant formulas) were obtained from different markets in Ankara and the presence of AFM1 in the samples was analyzed by ELISA. In 32 (38.1%) of 84 infant food samples, the presence of AFM1 was detected in concentrations ranging between 0.0055 and 0.0201 µg/kg. The mean level (± standard error) of AFM1 was found to be 0.0089 ± 0.0006 µg/kg in positive infant follow-on milks. Aflatoxin M1 was detected in only 1 infant formula sample (2.94%) at a concentration of 0.0061 µg/kg. The extrapolated levels of AFB1 contamination in feedstuffs were calculated based on levels of AFM1 in baby food samples. The data estimating AFB1 contamination in dairy cattle feedstuff indicate that contamination may range from 0.3410 to 1.2580 µg/kg, with the mean level (± standard error) being 0.5499 ± 0.0385 µg/kg, which is lower than the level set by the TFC and European Union regulations (5 µg/kg). According to the obtained results, the levels of AFM1 in analyzed samples were within the allowed limit (0.025 µg/kg) set in the TFC. Low levels of AFM1 in infant follow-on milks and infant formula samples obtained during the study do not pose a health risk to infants.

Growth of infants fed formula rich in canola oil (low erucic acid rapeseed oil).

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Canola oil is a variety of rapeseed oil low in erucic acid (<2%). For many years, canola oil has been widely used as an ingredient in infant formula in Europe, but not in North America due to safety concerns. A number of studies have used variable canola content of infant formulas to investigate the effects of linoleic acid: α-linolenic acid ratio on visual function of infants. However, little published data is available to compare the safety of canola versus non-canola containing infant formula. The aim of this study is to investigate whether infant formulas containing canola oil support normal growth in infants as assessed by weight and length gain. METHODS: Re-analyses of data on infant weight and length gain from a prospective randomized double-blind trial in full-term infants in the German Infant Nutritional Intervention study (GINI). This analysis compared growth in infants receiving infant formulas with or without canola oil from week 4 to month 7. Absolute weight and length, weight and length gain in gram or cm per day and standardized weight and length measurements were analyzed by analyses of variance and a longitudinal random effects model. Standardization was conducted according to the new WHO 2006 age- and sex-specific child growth standards. RESULTS: Absolute and standardized weight and length measures did not differ between the formula groups with or without canola oil. This was true for both, analyses within each of the three anthropometric measurement periods (4-6 weeks, 3-4 months, 6-7 months) and for the longitudinal analyses over the whole period from 4 weeks to 7 months of life. Power analyses confirmed that sample size was sufficient to detect a difference of 3 g per day between 14 and 120 days between the two formula groups. CONCLUSIONS: Infant formula containing canola oil supports normal infant growth as assessed by weight and length gain.

Formulas providing adequate pantothenic acid, vitamin D, manganese, iron and vitamin A for infants fed with mother's milk (aged 6-11 months) according to the Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes prepared by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (2005 edition).

Weaning formulas served in hospitals and care facilities in Japan should conform to dietary reference intakes (DRIs). We examined whether the DRI for breastfed infants aged 6-11 months can be satisfied in dietary practice, with a particular focus on the fulfilment rates for vitamins, minerals, trace elements and electrolytes in weaning formulas containing energy and protein at levels either greater than or equal to the DRIs, as well as on the dietary profiles of weaning formulas to achieve the DRI for every nutrient. The results showed that no weaning formulas examined in this study fulfilled the DRI for pantothenic acid (5 mg), vitamin D (4 microg), manganese (1.2 mg) or iron (5.5 mg). Furthermore, their vitamin A content exceeded the DRI (350 microg RE). The discrepancy between the guidelines and actual dietary practice is probably because of the fact that the estimated reference values poorly reflect the actual dietary intake in the target population; for example, the pantothenic acid and manganese DRIs for breastfed infants aged 6-11 months were set based on the breast milk intake of younger infants (0-5 months) in combination with the breast milk contents. Our results suggest that dietary guidance for infants should include information to promote proper intakes of vitamins A and D, and iron by reducing the amount of vitamin A-rich foods and utilizing dietary vitamin D and iron supplements including government-approved specified health foods.

Aluminum loading in preterm neonates revisited.

Preterm neonates receiving parenteral nutrition are at risk of aluminum (Al) overload because of the presence of Al as a contaminant in parenteral formulations. Despite US Food and Drug Administration regulation, commercial products continue to present Al contamination. To reassess Al exposure in the premature neonatal population, the present study evaluated the Al balance (intake vs urinary excretion) in a group of preterm neonates during the period in which they stayed in the intensive care unit (NICU) under total parenteral nutrition. For the 10 patients selected, daily infusion solutions (nutrition and medication) were collected and the level of Al contamination was measured. From the urine collected daily, an aliquot was taken for Al determination. Blood was also collected for Al determination on the first and last day in the NICU. The measurements were carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry. The difference between Al administered and excreted revealed that 56.2% +/- 22.7% of the Al intake was not eliminated. The mean serum Al levels from the first to the last day decreased from 41.2 +/- 23.3 to 23.5 +/- 11.2 microg/L. The resulting mean Al daily intake of the 10 patients was 15.2 +/- 8.0 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1). Because Al intake was higher than that excreted and Al in serum decreased to practically half during the period in the NICU (+/-7.3 days), some amount of Al deposition occurred. Moreover, premature neonates were receiving, on average, 3 times the amount of 5 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1), considered by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe limit.

Safety evaluation of pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides (pAOS): genotoxicity and sub-chronic studies.

Pectin-derived acidic oligosaccharides (pAOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates to be used in infant formulae and medical nutrition. To support its safety, the genotoxic potential of pAOS was evaluated. pAOS was not mutagenic in the Ames test. Positive results were obtained in the chromosome aberration test only at highly cytotoxic concentrations. The effects obtained in the mouse lymphoma test were equivocal; pAOS was not mutagenic in vivo. A sub-chronic dietary study, preceded by 4-week parental and in utero exposure phase, investigated general safety. Administration of pAOS did not affect parental health nor pup characteristics. No effects specific for acidic oligosaccharides were observed in the subsequent sub-chronic study. Slight diffuse hyperplasia of epithelial layer of the urinary bladder was noted to result from concurrently elevated urinary sodium, due to high sodium in pAOS, and elevated urinary pH. This phenomenon was confirmed in a mechanistic (sub-chronic) study. In contrast, in rats fed pAOS in combination with NH(4)Cl, an acidifying agent, the induced low urinary pH completely prevented the development of urothelial hyperplasia. Hyperplasia induced by this mechanism in rats is considered not relevant to man. Based on the current knowledge we consider pAOS safe for human consumption under its intended use.

Rotulagem de alimentos para lactentes e crianças de primeira infância / Labeling food products for breastfeeding infants and toddlers

OBJETIVO: Analisar a conformidade de rótulos de alimentos para lactentes e crianças de primeira infância, segundo os preceitos da ética e das legislações vigentes. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 86 rótulos captados por livre acesso, amostragem intencional, distribuídos em: fórmulas infantis para lactentes (n=11), fórmulas de seguimento para lactentes (n=5); alimentos de transição (n=7); alimentos à base de cereais (n=11), leites e alimentos à base de vegetais (n=52) e alimentos comuns usualmente empregados na alimentação desse público (n=13). Foram preenchidos formulários estruturados com itens das Resoluções da Diretoria Colegiada 222/02, 977/98, 40/01, 40/02, 259/02, 23/00 e das Portarias 34/98 e 36/98 para cada alimento. Aplicaram-se os Testes Qui-Quadrado, Exato de Fisher e de Correlação. RESULTADOS: A freqüência de não conformidades na rotulagem específica foi muito maior que na rotulagem geral. A maior freqüência de não conformidades observada foi a apresentação de ilustrações inadequadas nos alimentos (imagens de lactentes ou crianças com figuras humanizadas). Outras inconformidades foram: a presença de expressões como leite humanizado, baby ou frases que dão falsa idéia de vantagem ou segurança; e a ausência de frases obrigatórias e não conformidade quanto à composição do produto. Alimentos que não tinham como designação de venda nenhuma das características de uso comum nesta faixa etária, ou seja, não eram comercializados como tal, como farinha láctea, flocos de cereais e mingaus, apresentavam frases de advertência não necessárias para aquele tipo de produto. CONCLUSÃO: A rotulagem de alimentos para lactentes e crianças de primeira infância apresenta muitas irregularidades, principalmente no que se refere à rotulagem específica do produto. Essa prática pode repercutir sobre a amamentação. A fiscalização deve ser intensificada, conjuntamente com maiores esclarecimentos às indústrias de alimentos e aos consumidores em geral.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to analyze label conformity of foods for infants and lactating women according to ethical principles and current regulations. METHODS: A total of 86 labels acquired by free access and intentional sampling were analyzed, distributed as follows: infant formulas (n=11), follow-on formulas (n=5), complementary foods (n=07), cereal products (n=11), milk and foods containing vegetables (n=52), and food commonly used to feed this population (n=13). Structured forms were filled out with items from the Resoluções da Diretoria Colegiada (Graduated Board Resolutions) 222/02, 977/98, 40/01, 40/02, 259/02, 23/00 and of the Portarias (rules) 34/98 and 36/98 for each food. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and correlation test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The rate of specific label non-conformity was much greater than that of general labeling. The highest rate of non-conformity was observed in the presentation of illustrations of the foods (images of breastfeeding infants or children with humanized images). Other non-conformities were: the presence of words such as humanized milk, baby or phrases that give a false idea of advantage or safety; the absence of mandatory phrases and non-conformity regarding the composition of the food. Foods that did not have as sales designation any of the characteristics of common use in this age group, that is, that were not marketed as such, such as lacteal flour, cereal flakes and paps presented warning phrases that were not necessarily for that kind of product. CONCLUSION: Labels of foods for breastfeeding infants and toddlers are irregular in many ways, especially regarding the specific labeling of the product. This practice may influence breastfeeding. More inspection is needed as well as more explanations to the food industries and to the consumers in general.

Inactivation of Enterobacter sakazakii in infant milk formula by gamma irradiation: determination of D10-value.

Enterobacter sakazakii is an emerging foodborne pathogen that has caused several cases of meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants and has been associated with infant formulas. Five strains of E. sakazakii were inoculated individually into brain heart infusion broth and rehydrated or dehydrated infant milk formula and exposed to ionizing radiation. E. sakazakii strains in brain heart infusion broth and rehydrated infant milk formula (RIMF) were exposed to irradiation dose of up to 1 kGy while strains in dehydrated infant milk formula (DIMF) were exposed to irradiation dose of up to 9 kGy. The D(10)-values were determined by using a linear regression model. Average calculated D(10)-values ranged from 0.21 to 0.29 kGy, 0.24 to 0.37 kGy, and 1.06 to 1.71 kGy in brain heart infusion broth, RIMF, and DIMF, respectively. The results obtained from this study will be useful for powdered infant milk formula industries to reduce the risk associated with E. sakazakii.

Potential contaminants in the food chain: identification, prevention and issue management.

Contaminants are a vast subject area of food safety and quality. They are generally divided into chemical, microbiological and physical classes and are present in our food chain from raw materials to finished products. They are the subject of international and national legislation that has widened to cover more and more contaminant classes and food categories. In addition, consumers have become increasingly aware of and alarmed by their risks, whether rightly or not. What is the food industry doing to ensure the safety and quality of the products we feed our children? This is a valid question which this article attempts to address from an industrial viewpoint. Chemical food safety is considered a complex field where the risk perception of consumers is often the highest. The effects of chronic or acute exposure to chemical carcinogens may cause disease conditions long after exposure that can be permanently debilitating or even fatal. It is also a moving target, as knowledge about the toxicity and occurrence data of new chemical contaminants continues to be generated. Their identification, prevention and management are challenges to the food industry as a whole. A reminder of the known chemical hazards in the food chain will be presented with an emphasis on the use of early warning to identify potential new contaminants. Early warning is also a means of prevention, anticipating food safety concerns before they become issues to manage. Current best management practices including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points relating to the supply chain of baby foods and infant formulae will be developed. Finally, key lessons from a case study on recent contamination issues in baby food products will be presented.

Effect of evaporation and pasteurization in the biochemical and immunological composition of human milk

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da evaporação e da pasteurização do leite humano na sua composição bioquímica e imunológica e em sua osmolaridade. MÉTODOS: As amostras de leite humano maduro foram divididas em quatro grupos de estudo: leite humano in natura, leite humano pasteurizado, leite humano evaporado a 70 por cento do volume inicial e leite humano pasteurizado e evaporado a 70 por cento, com 12 diferentes amostras de leite em cada grupo. Das amostras dos grupos, foram dosadas as concentrações de sódio, potássio, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, proteína, gordura, lactose, imunoglobulina A e osmolaridade. RESULTADOS: A pasteurização do leite humano não mostrou alterações estatisticamente significantes na concentração dos elementos sódio, potássio, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, proteína, gordura, lactose, nem na osmolaridade; no entanto, mostrou redução significante na concentração média de imunoglobulina A. A evaporação mostrou aumento estatisticamente significativo de 38 por cento em média na concentração dos elementos sódio, potássio, cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, proteína, gordura e lactose e redução média de 45 por cento na concentração da imunoglobulina A, sem alteração significativa da osmolaridade em relação ao leite sem processamento. CONCLUSÃO: Através da evaporação a 70 por cento do volume inicial do leite humano, pode ser obtido leite humano com condições de satisfazer as necessidades nutricionais preconizadas para o recém-nascido pré-termo, com exceção do cálcio e do fósforo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of evaporation and pasteurization of human milk on its biochemical and immunological composition and on its osmolarity. METHODS: The samples of mature human milk were categorized into four study groups: in natura human milk, pasteurized human milk, human milk evaporated at 70 percent of the baseline volume and human milk pasteurized and evaporated at 70 percent, with 12 different samples of milk in each group. The samples were used to determine the concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, fat, lactose, immunoglobulin A and osmolarity. RESULTS: The pasteurization of human milk did not show statistically significant changes in the concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, fat, lactose, or in osmolarity; however, it showed remarkable reduction in the mean concentration of immunoglobulin A. Evaporation had a mean increase of 38 percent in the concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, fat and lactose and mean reduction of 45 percent in the concentration of immunoglobulin A, without significant change in osmolarity in unprocessed milk. CONCLUSION: By evaporation at 70 percent of the baseline value of human milk, it is possible to obtain human milk that meets the nutritional requirements recommended for preterm infants, except for calcium and phosphorus.

[Effect of long time storage of infant formulas on their vitamins A, E, levels of peroxide value and antioxidant activity as compared to breast milk].

It is shown that vitamins A and E content in infant and follow-on formulae was significantly higher comparatively to declared level while their content decreased during storage at room temperature in open boxes in accordance with manufactures recommendations. Vitamins A and E level decrease accompanied by formulae anti- and prooxidants ratio changes and peroxide value increase in all formula studied. The minimal level of vitamin A and E increase above declared one during manufacturing of infant formula that allows to maintain the actual vitamins level in accordance with declared one was grounded. Breast milk antioxidant activity was different from that one of started and follow-on formulae. The data obtained shows the necessity to optimize the antioxidant composition of infant and follow-on formulae to make their content and functional activity closer to human milk.