In vitro digestion of infant formula model systems: Influence of casein to whey protein ratio

Arissara Phosanam, Jayani Chandrapala, Thom Huppertz, Benu Adhikari*, Bogdan Zisu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The influence of casein-to-whey protein ratio (C:WP; 40:60, 60:40, 80:20) on the digestibility of infant formula powder was studied using an in vitro digestion model. With increasing C:WP, more extensive coagulation in samples was observed through particle size and confocal microscopy analyses. Coagulum particles consisted of a protein matrix in which emulsion droplets were embedded. The more extensive coagulation also led to significant (p < 0.05) reductions in protein and fat digestion during gastric and intestinal stages of digestion. These reductions can be attributed to reduced accessibility of digestive enzymes to their respective substrates. Gastric coagulation of the caseins was less extensive and digestion of protein and lipid was highest at C:WP of 40:60, which closely resembled human milk. The strong effects of C:WP on the digestion of infant formula further highlight the importance of the gastric coagulation process to ensure efficient digestion of protein and fat.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105008
JournalInternational Dairy Journal
Volume117
Early online date3 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

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