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Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Malondialdehyde contents in infant milk formulas
1Dipartimento di Studi di Chimica e Tecnologia delle Sostanze Biologicamente Attive, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, P. le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy. stefania.cesa@uniromaI.it
Abstract:
Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in infant milk formulas have been monitored by using an aqueous acid extraction method combined with the thiobarbituric acid method (TBA-test). Vegetable oils, with a remarkable content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are used to enrich the infant milk formulas. As PUFA are more susceptible to autoxidation, it becomes of great interest to have information about the safety and preservation of these products. We monitored MDA content in twenty of the most popular infant milk formulas and in some commercial cow milk samples and compared the obtained data. Levels of MDA ranged between 200 and 1200 ppb: all values but one were higher, up to five times, than those found in cow milk samples. To evaluate the accuracy of the data obtained from the TBA-test, some samples were also analyzed with an HPLC derivative method: preliminary results show a good agreement between the two analytical techniques.
Insights
Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in infant formulas are higher than in cow milk, indicating potential lipid peroxidation. This study monitored MDA in popular infant formulas to assess product safety and preservation.
Area of Science:
- Food Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Infant milk formulas are enriched with vegetable oils containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
- PUFAs are prone to autoxidation, raising concerns about the safety and preservation of infant formulas.
- Monitoring lipid peroxidation byproducts like malondialdehyde (MDA) is crucial for product quality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in popular infant milk formulas.
- To compare MDA levels in infant formulas with those in commercial cow milk samples.
- To evaluate the accuracy of the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test for MDA determination in these products.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous acid extraction followed by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method was employed for MDA quantification.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) derivative method was used for comparative analysis.
- MDA content was measured in twenty infant milk formulas and several cow milk samples.
Main Results:
- MDA levels in infant milk formulas ranged from 200 to 1200 ppb.
- Most infant formula samples exhibited MDA levels up to five times higher than cow milk samples.
- Preliminary analysis showed good agreement between the TBA test and the HPLC derivative method for MDA measurement.
Conclusions:
- Infant milk formulas may have higher levels of lipid peroxidation compared to cow milk.
- The TBA test is a reliable method for monitoring MDA in infant formulas.
- Further investigation into the factors affecting MDA levels and their implications for infant health is warranted.
