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Utilization of expert recommendations in the development of food and beverage nutritional profiles represents an opportunity to merge science and food manufacturing to deliver nutritionally optimized products into the marketplace. This report details expert panel guidelines for the design of a nutritional product for children one to six years of age. This interaction demonstrates the essential synergy between academia and food manufacturers in translating nutrient recommendations to food for their delivery to a population. Important factors for such translation are the identification of applicable nutrient recommendations and selection of an appropriate delivery matrix. This report demonstrates the translation of expert nutritional recommendations to a milk-based product for children—one to six years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The nutrition and health claims regulation applies a system of generic approvals with the exception of claims that are approved on the basis of proprietary data. Such data enjoy a five years term of protection. In a recent decision the European Commission proposes as sole criterion for recognising the 'proprietary' status of data the fact that they have not been published previous to the submission of the claims application. The article argues that this interpretation is insufficiently supported by the text of the Regulation. Furthermore it is likely to have a negative impact on the scientific level of substantiation of health claims and on the cooperation between science and the business sector. For these reasons and on the basis of the Regulation's recitals, the article argues that as decisive criterion should be recognised whether investment has been made in bringing forth the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine milk protein fractions that enable modification of the protein composition and amino acid profile of infant formulas to mimic those of human milk have recently become available. To determine the effects on protein quality and mineral bioavailability of replacing casein by β-casein and of whey protein isolate by α-lactalbumin, 4 groups of growing rats were fed for 3 wk diets containing 10% protein as 1) casein (control); 2) β-casein; 3) casein:whey (40:60); or 4) β-casein:e-lactalbumin (40:60). Protein quality, determined as protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein utilization (NPU), biological value (BV) and protein digestibility (PD), as well as body weight gain, were higher (P < 0.05) with consumption of the whey-adapted diets [casein:whey (40:60); β-casein:e-lactalbumin (40:60)] compared with the casein diets (casein; β-casein); however, there were no differences between the 2 casein diets or between the 2 whey-adapted diets. Apparent absorption of minerals (Ca, P, Fe, Zn) from the whey-adapted diets was higher than that from the casein diets (P < 0.05); but again, no differences were observed when casein or whey protein isolate were replaced by β-casein or α-lactalbumin, respectively. Thus, substitution of casein by β-casein or of whey protein isolate by α-lactalbumin does not affect protein quality or mineral bioavailability as determined in growing rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant formulas based on soyabean protein isolate are often used as an alternative to cows'-based formulas. However, the presence of phytic acid in soya formulas has raised concern about the absorption of trace elements and minerals from these products. The aim of the present study was to evaluate mineral and trace element absorption from regular and dephytinised soya formula in healthy infants. Soyabean protein isolate with a relatively low native content of phytic acid was used for production of a regular soya formula (300 mg phytic acid/kg liquid formula) and an experimental formula was based on dephytinised soya protein isolate (<6 mg phytic acid/kg liquid formula). Using a crossover study design, apparent mineral and trace element absorptions were measured by a stable isotope technique based on 72 h faecal excretion of non-absorbed stable isotopes (Zn, Fe, Cu and Ca) and by the chemical balance technique (Mn, Zn, Cu and Ca) in nine infants (69???191 d old). Fe absorption was also measured by erythrocyte incorporation 14 d after intake. The results from the present study demonstrated that Zn absorption, measured by a stable isotope technique, was significantly greater after dephytinisation (mean value 16??7 v. 22??6 %; P=0??03). No other statistically significant differences between the two formulas were observed. The nutritional benefit of dephytinisation was marginal in the present study. Based on these results, the use of soyabean protein isolate with low native content of phytic acid should be promoted for production of soya formulas and adequate addition of ascorbic acid to enhance Fe absorption should be ensured in the products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Life expectancy as a measure of population health does not reflect years of healthy life. The average life expectancy in the Asia-Pacific region has more than doubled since 1900 and is now above 70 years. In the Asia-Pacific region, the proportion of aged people in the population is expected to double between 2017 and 2050. Increased life expectancy leads to an increase in non-communicable diseases, which consequently affects quality of life. Suboptimal nutritional status is a contributing factor to the prevalence and severity of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular, cognitive, musculoskeletal, immune, metabolic and ophthalmological functions. We have reviewed the published literature on nutrition and healthy ageing as it applies to the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on vitamins, minerals/trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids. Optimal nutritional status needs to start before a senior age is reached and before the consequences of the disease process are irreversible. Based on the nutritional status and health issues in the senior age in the region, micronutrients of particular importance are vitamins A, D, E, C, B-12, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. The present paper substantiates the creation of micronutrient guidelines and proposes actions to support the achievement of optimal nutritional status as contribution to healthy ageing for Asia-Pacific populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding is universally recommended as the optimal choice of infant feeding and consequently human milk has been extensively investigated to unravel its unique nutrient profile. The human milk lipid composition is unique and supplies specifically long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), in particular, arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n–6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n–3). Arachidonic acid (ARA) is the most predominant long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in human milk, albeit at low concentrations as compared to other fatty acids. It occurs predominantly in the triglyceride form and to a lesser extent as milk fat globule membrane phospholipids. Human milk ARA levels are modulated by dietary intake as demonstrated by animal and human studies and consequently vary dependent on dietary habits among mothers and regions across the globe. ARA serves as a precursor to eicosanoids and endocannabinoids that also occur in human milk. A review of scientific and clinical studies reveals that ARA plays an important role in physiological development and its related functions during early life nutrition. Therefore, ARA is an important nutrient during infancy and childhood and, as such, appropriate attention is required regarding its nutritional status and presence in the infant diet. Data are emerging indicating considerable genetic variation in encoding for desaturases and other essential fatty acid metabolic enzymes that may influence the ARA level as well as other LC-PUFAs. Human milk from well-nourished mothers has adequate levels of both ARA and DHA to support nutritional and developmental needs of infants. In case breastfeeding is not possible and infant formula is being fed, experts recommend that both ARA and DHA are added at levels present in human milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing aging population worldwide accounts for a growing share of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) of the overall social and economic burden. Dietary and nutritional approaches are of paramount importance in the management of NCDs. As a result, nutrition programs are increasingly integrated into public health policies. At present, programs aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs have focused mostly on the excess of unhealthy nutrient intakes whereas the importance of optimizing adequate essential and semi-essential nutrient intakes and nutrient-rich diets has received less attention. Surveys indicate that nutrient intakes of the aging population are insufficient to optimally support healthy aging. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in older adults are related to increased risk of NCDs including fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive and neuromuscular function impairments. Reviewed literature demonstrates that improving intake for certain nutrients may be important in reducing progress of NCDs such as musculoskeletal disorders, dementia, loss of vision, and cardiometabolic diseases during aging. Current knowledge concerning improving individual nutrient intakes to reduce progression of chronic disease is still emerging with varying effect sizes and levels of evidence. Most pronounced benefits of nutrients were found in participants who had low nutrient intake or status at baseline or who had increased genetic and metabolic needs for that nutrient. Authorities should implement ways to optimize essential nutrient intake as an integral part of their strategies to address NCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]