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Identification of multiple compartments present during the mastication of solid food
C S Flynn1, K D Foster, J E Bronlund
1Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.
Archives of Oral Biology
|November 20, 2010
Summary
Human chewing significantly alters food particle size distribution (PSD). Different foods and portion sizes yield distinct PSDs in the mouth, suggesting a complex oral processing system.
Area of Science:
- Food science
- Oral processing
- Particle science
Background:
- Understanding food particle size distribution (PSD) after mastication is crucial for predicting oral processing and food texture.
- Human mastication comminutes food, but the precise mechanisms and resulting particle characteristics require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the particle size distributions (PSDs) of various foods after human mastication.
- To compare PSDs between different food types and portion sizes (2g and 4g).
- To analyze PSD differences between the expectorated bolus and residual oral debris.
Main Methods:
- Five food types (cake, cereal bar, muesli bar, cooked pasta, peanuts) were masticated by humans.
- Particle size distributions were determined for expectorated bolus and mouth-rinsed debris using wet sieving.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences in PSD.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in PSD were observed across food types.
- Portion size influenced PSD, particularly in the debris fraction.
- Distinct PSDs were found between the bolus and debris fractions, indicating differential processing.
Conclusions:
- Human oral processing results in varied particle size distributions depending on food type and quantity.
- The distinct PSDs in bolus and debris suggest a multi-compartment oral system for particle comminution.
- Further research into oral processing compartments could inform food texture and digestion studies.
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