Perspective: A Legal and Nutritional Perspective on the Introduction of Quinoa-Based Infant and Follow-on Formula in the EU

Abstract

Infants are vulnerable consumers and highly depend on dietary proteins for growth and development during their first months of life. Infant formula (IF) and follow-on formula (FOF) have been developed to meet these requirements, although few protein sources are currently allowed to be used. At the same time, allergies to these available protein sources are becoming more frequent. There is thus a need to explore alternative protein sources for infant nutrition. One alternative could be quinoa, which is a pseudocereal that is naturally free from gluten and has a high protein content and quality. This review assessed the composition, nutritional properties, and applicability of quinoa proteins for IF and FOF as well as the legal framework for their use in the European Union (EU). The protein quality of isolated quinoa proteins (IQPs) is relatively high compared with other plant-based proteins like rice. Besides, during the protein isolation process, unfavorable compounds are mostly removed, ensuring that the final product can comply with the maximum residue concentrations allowed. Overall, IF and FOF are strictly regulated under the Foods for Specific Groups (FSG) Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 and more research is needed before the introduction of IQP in such products is considered, but this review shows it has several promising features that warrant further investigation.

Low-Protein Infant Formula and Obesity Risk

“…Moreover, during its protein isolation process, unfavorable compounds are mostly removed, ensuring that the final product can comply with the maximum residue concentrations allowed. More research is needed before the introduction of IQP in infant formulas is considered, but it has several promising features that warrant further investigation [55].…”

Alternatives to Cow’s Milk-Based Infant Formulas in the Prevention and Management of Cow’s Milk Allergy

“…Several plants have been suggested as potential suitable protein sources for new infant formulas, these being quinoa [ 374 ], pea [ 375 , 376 , 377 ], faba bean [ 375 , 376 , 377 ], lentil [ 378 ], potato [ 376 , 379 ], and chickpea [ 380 , 381 ], as shown on Figure 5 . Nevertheless, before any of these plant-based protein sources can be used in infant formulas, they would need to comply with the Regulation EU 2016/127 [ 114 ], and for some, they may even be regarded as novel foods, as new processing procedures may be a necessity to provide protein isolates and hence require an EU authorisation as a novel food [ 382 ].…”

“…Allergy to chickpea has been reported in few studies, with identification of two allergens [ 384 , 385 ], though only one chickpea allergen is listed in the AllergenNomenclature [ 56 ]. For pseudocereals, quinoa has been suggested as an alternative source to cow’s milk proteins in follow-up formulas due to its high-quality protein content [ 374 ]. Quinoa seems to be increasingly appreciated as an excellent gluten-free protein source for a wide range of consumers, including infants [ 374 , 390 , 391 ].…”

“…For pseudocereals, quinoa has been suggested as an alternative source to cow’s milk proteins in follow-up formulas due to its high-quality protein content [ 374 ]. Quinoa seems to be increasingly appreciated as an excellent gluten-free protein source for a wide range of consumers, including infants [ 374 , 390 , 391 ]. Yet, concerns have been raised regarding the high amount of saponins in quinoa, which inhere adjuvant capacity and may affect intestinal permeability [ 392 ].…”

Heat-induced structural modifications of plant proteins : Implications for peptide pattern and bioactivity after infant digestion

“…One such alternative being explored is plant protein-based IF, which is a promising option for infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) Venlet, Hettinga, Schebesta, & Bernaz, 2021). Furthermore, plant proteins are not only environmentally friendly, abundant, and cost-effective, but some are also nutritionally adequate.…”