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Evaluation of spray-dried eggs as a micronutrient-rich nutritional supplement

Authors :
Philip Pirkwieser
Silke Grosshagauer
Andreas Dunkel
Marc Pignitter
Bernard Schneppe
Klaus Kraemer
Veronika Somoza
Source :
Frontiers in Nutrition, Vol 9 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022.

Abstract

Regular consumption of hen eggs can help to prevent deficiencies of essential nutrients, such as essential amino acids, vitamin A and E or trace elements zinc and selenium, for vulnerable populations. This study focused on assessing the nutritional value of spray-dried eggs, favored by their manufacturability, storability and ease of addition to (complementary) foods. Using a wide range of analytical techniques, we recorded and compared the nutrient profiles of commercially produced pasteurized whole eggs and their respective powder samples spray-dried at 160°C. Important nutrients that were not significantly affected by spray-drying include total fat content, several amino acids, α- and δ-tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin, essential trace elements and cobalamin. The most notable mean losses were found for unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., linoleic (by −38.7%, from 4.11 ± 0.45 to 2.52 ± 0.75 g/100 g DM) and linolenic acid (by −60.8%, from 0.76 ± 0.05 to 0.30 ± 0.04 g/100 g DM). Despite recording significant retinol losses in two out of three batches, the overall low reduction of −14% recommend spray-dried eggs as a valuable source of vitamin A. A daily intake of spray-dried egg powder corresponding to one medium sized egg meets dietary reference values for children, e.g., by 100% for vitamin E, by 24% for retinol, by 61% for selenium and by 22% for zinc. In conclusion, even though a dry weight comparison favors supplementation with pasteurized whole eggs, our results demonstrate a high potential for spray-dried eggs as nutritional supplement. However, the spray-drying process should be optimized toward higher retentions of unsaturated fatty acids and retinol.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2296861X
Volume :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Nutrition
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.0cf4fef4b3c148ff9539ecfa3362b5c5
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.984715