An in vitro testing approach to estimate mineral absorption in infant formulas

Abstract

Infant formula is the best alternative food for providing nutrition to the infant, when breastfeeding is not possible. For a better understanding of gastrointestinal behavior and absorption of nutrients present in infant formulas, studies that simulate digestion processes may be used. This study aimed to discuss the evolution of infant formulas with a focus on the evaluation of the absorption of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P and Zn, as well as identifying available methods for the assessment of bioaccessibility and bioavailability, in order to understand the absorption of these nutrients. For this purpose, a review was carried out about infant formulas and also about in vitro methods regarding the study of minerals, being focused on consumption, quality and technological aspects. A worldwide trend was observed in the increase concerning the consumption of infant formulas and it could be noted that studies of bioavailability and bioaccessibility of minerals, even if these studies are still scarce, collaborate for the evolution and development of this product, aiming to approximate the composition of breast milk. The review showed that the composition of the infant formula has been constantly improved by revisions of legislation and by the industry and, in order to obtain an infant formula with a high nutrient absorption capacity, bioaccessibility and / or bioavailability studies must be carried out, because these studies allow a better understanding of the influence of different ingredients on the absorption of nutrients. These studies have also shown that for making up a more balanced intake in the different stages of the infant, different compositions of infant formulas are required.

Keywords:
Bioavailability; Infant nutrition; Infant food; Micronutrients; Food safety; Ingestion