TY - JOUR
T1 - Comprehensive evaluation of plant proteins as potential dairy substitutes in infant formula
T2 - A review
AU - Tang, Jiaying
AU - Wichers, Harry J.
AU - Hettinga, Kasper A.
PY - 2024/6
Y1 - 2024/6
N2 - Background: Infant formula serves as the primary source of nutrition for infants, particularly when breastfeeding is not an option. While traditional infant formulas rely on cow's milk proteins, their allergenic potential has driven the exploration of alternative protein sources. Plant proteins have emerged as a viable solution, not only because some are well-tolerated by infants with cow's milk allergy but also due to their alignment with vegan and sustainable ideals. Consequently, the interest in developing innovative infant formulas using high-quality plant proteins as dairy substitutes is increasing. Scope and approach: This review provides an in-depth understanding of the feasibility and challenges associated with using plant proteins in infant formula by critically assessing key factors. These factors include protein quality, antinutritional factors, allergenicity, and various technical requirements such as protein content, yield, purity, extraction methods, potential contaminants, and techno-functional properties. Key findings and conclusions: To develop promising plant-based infant formulas, the initial step involves the careful selection of appropriate plant proteins, coupled with a comprehensive evaluation of their nutritional value, potential health risks (including allergies), and safety considerations. Furthermore, addressing the processing complexities, ensuring safety and efficacy, and gauging consumer acceptance are crucial.
AB - Background: Infant formula serves as the primary source of nutrition for infants, particularly when breastfeeding is not an option. While traditional infant formulas rely on cow's milk proteins, their allergenic potential has driven the exploration of alternative protein sources. Plant proteins have emerged as a viable solution, not only because some are well-tolerated by infants with cow's milk allergy but also due to their alignment with vegan and sustainable ideals. Consequently, the interest in developing innovative infant formulas using high-quality plant proteins as dairy substitutes is increasing. Scope and approach: This review provides an in-depth understanding of the feasibility and challenges associated with using plant proteins in infant formula by critically assessing key factors. These factors include protein quality, antinutritional factors, allergenicity, and various technical requirements such as protein content, yield, purity, extraction methods, potential contaminants, and techno-functional properties. Key findings and conclusions: To develop promising plant-based infant formulas, the initial step involves the careful selection of appropriate plant proteins, coupled with a comprehensive evaluation of their nutritional value, potential health risks (including allergies), and safety considerations. Furthermore, addressing the processing complexities, ensuring safety and efficacy, and gauging consumer acceptance are crucial.
KW - Allergenicity
KW - Food processing
KW - Infant formula
KW - Nutritional value
KW - Plant proteins
KW - Techno-functionality
U2 - 10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104528
DO - 10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104528
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85192681379
SN - 0924-2244
VL - 148
JO - Trends in Food Science and Technology
JF - Trends in Food Science and Technology
M1 - 104528
ER -