Maltodextrin as an ingredient for baby food production. Study of composition and properties

Abstract

The main principles of development of adapted infant milk formulas are approximation to the composition and properties of human milk and correspondence to the specific features of infantile digestion and metabolism. Of no least significance is adjustment of the carbohydrate component. Partial replacement of lactose by maltodextrin allows to decrease the osmolality of milk formulas. Maltodextrin is well utilized in the intestines, has a positive effect on its microbiota. Therefore, in modern infant adapted formulas lactose is partly replaced by maltodextrin. Infant formulas are manufactured using maltodextrin with the dextrose equivalent from 18 to 22. The study was aimed at investigating the possibility of using maltodextrin manufactured in Russia in specialised food products for infant nutrition. Three samples of maltodextrin were selected for the study: 2 were manufactured in Russia and 1 was imported. The samples were tested in the following order: study of comparative characteristics of maltodextrins; experimental pre-production of adapted milk formulas with maltodextrin samples, and examination of the quality and safety characteristics and the technological benefits of its use. The research work and its results confirmed the possibility of using maltodextrin made in Russia for manufacture of adapted products for child nutrition to optimise the carbohydrate composition of the final product. Key words: dextrose equivalent, child nutrition, maltodextrin, solubility