The effect of macro- and micro-nutrient fortification of biscuits on their sensory properties and on hedonic liking of older people

Application of Nanoparticles in Human Nutrition: A Review

Nanotechnology in human nutrition represents an innovative advance in increasing the bioavailability and efficiency of bioactive compounds. This work delves into the multifaceted dietary contributions of nanoparticles (NPs) and their utilization for improving nutrient absorption and ensuring food safety. NPs exhibit exceptional solubility, a significant surface-to-volume ratio, and diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm, rendering them invaluable for applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, as well as elevating food quality. The encapsulation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants within NPs introduces an innovative approach to counteract nutritional instabilities and low solubility, promoting human health. Nanoencapsulation methods have included the production of nanocomposites, nanofibers, and nanoemulsions to benefit the delivery of bioactive food compounds. Nutrition-based nanotechnology and nanoceuticals are examined for their economic viability and potential to increase nutrient absorption. Although the advancement of nanotechnology in food demonstrates promising results, some limitations and concerns related to safety and regulation need to be widely discussed in future research. Thus, the potential of nanotechnology could open new paths for applications and significant advances in food, benefiting human nutrition.

Food Application of Orange Seed Powder through Incorporation in Wheat Flour to Boost Vitamin and Mineral Profiles of Formulated Biscuits

The significance of conducting research for its application has been noted as a result of the rising global food production and waste generation. As a result, there is increasing interest in fruits and vegetable seeds that contain bioactive chemicals, such as those that are obtained from orange seeds. In the current work, orange seed powder replaced wheat flour at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% levels, to observe changes in physicochemical features of developed biscuits. Proximate analysis of orange seed powder and wheat flour revealed that orange seed powder has high fat, fiber, protein, and ash contents as compared to wheat flour, whereas moisture contents in wheat flour were high. In developed biscuits, the highest values (percentage) of ash (9.68 ± 0.04), fiber (6.79 ± 0.12), protein (10.42 ± 0.25), and fat (36.90 ± 0.55) were found in biscuits developed with 10% orange seed powder. Orange seed powder was a comparatively good source of both macro and micro minerals, as compared to wheat flour. High contents of selenium (5.32 ± 0.03), iron (2.12 ± 0.05), zinc (3.88 ± 0.12), and manganese (2.25 ± 0.04) mg/100 g, present in orange seed powder, were the prominent findings of this research work, as wheat flours were observed to be deficient in these trace minerals. Contents of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, zinc, and selenium in control biscuits were found 20.51 ± 0.08, 17.29 ± 0.04, 46.12 ± 0.05, 1.06 ± 0.01, 1.97 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.01, and 0.11 ± 0.01 mg/100 g, respectively, and replacement of wheat flour with 10% orange seed powder increased values of these minerals to 103.90 ± 0.35, 44.35 ± 0.50, 71.29 ± 0.32, 2.59 ± 0.4, 2.75 ± 0.02, 1.31 ± 0.01, and 2.02 ± 0.05 mg/100 g, respectively. Vitamins E and K, which were not detected in wheat flour, were present in orange powder in high amount, whereas B group vitamins, which were also present in wheat flour, were observed in significantly high quantities in orange seed powder. Increment in vitamin A, D, E, K, and B complexes was significant as a result of orange seed powder supplementation, except for vitamins B1 and B2, which were slightly decreased. Sensory evaluation revealed that a 5% replacement of orange seed powder provided good quality biscuits with acceptable colour, flavor, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. Orange seed powder could prove an important ingredient in the baking industry with the potential of promoting the nutritional value of foods.

Sensorial and Nutritional Properties of a Collagen-Fortified Snack Bar Designed for the Elderly

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop a highly consumable collagen-containing bar that contributes to enriching the diets of elderly individuals, in terms of energy and nutrients.

METHOD

For this purpose, five different bar samples (C, P1, P2, D1, D2) containing different amounts of collagen, date puree, and pumpkin puree were developed and subsequently evaluated in terms of their sensory and nutritional properties by a panel of 30 adult trained sensorial analysists.

RESULTS

The bars with the highest flavor score were those with high levels of collagen and pumpkin puree (P2) and date puree (D2). For the analyses of multiple criteria among multiple samples, the TOPSIS technique showed that among the snack bar samples with different contents, the most liked sample was the one with a high level of collagen and date puree (D2). One serving of the developed bars contains approximately 300-400 kcal of energy and 6.8-8.8 g of protein. Considering age-related decreased appetite, as well as chewing and swallowing problems in elderly individuals, regular consumption of nutrient-rich small meals or snacks with enhanced sensory characteristics could contribute to improving nutritional and functional status.

Promoting Protein Intake in an Ageing Population: Product Design Implications for Protein Fortification

Protein is a macronutrient of interest for an ageing population and intake requirements increase with age. Accordingly, protein is often fortified into products for older adults to help alleviate malnutrition and impede sarcopenia. However, more emphasis needs to be placed upon designing protein-fortified products to ensure suitability for older adults. This study involved a two-stage approach: (1) an initial review of products commonly fortified with protein and (2) two questionnaires for younger and older adults (n = 73; 18-30; 65+) to investigate optimal portion sizes (drinks and cakes) as well as attitudes, consumption habits and preferences towards protein fortification. The initial literature and market review demonstrated protein-fortified products are typically in liquid or snack format; however, there is considerable variability in terms of product types, serving size and protein sources. There were no age-related differences found for ideal cakes portion size whereas there were for liquids. Older adults are typically not consuming protein-fortified products; therefore, more importance should be placed on the consumption moment (breakfast or as snacks between meals) and on cereals, pasta, porridge, cakes, and biscuits. Older adults need increased awareness of, and more education on, the benefits of protein consumption, coupled with products tailored and designed to encourage intake.

Review of protein intake and suitability of foods for protein-fortification in older adults in the UK

Protein is a vital dietary component for combating negative health outcomes associated with malnutrition in older adults, including sarcopenia, functional decline and reduced quality of life. Yet, recommended daily protein intake is consistently unmet, as evidenced in the literature and reaffirmed in this review. Poor appetite is recognized as a major determinant of protein-energy undernutrition and thus fortification of regular food or drinks provides a flexible and relevant approach for older adults with reduced appetite. To increase the likelihood of fortified products being successfully incorporated into the diets of older adults, they must be adaptable to older adults eating patterns, cater for their preferences and take the specific age-related problems that complicate food intake into account. This paper aims to highlight older adults' current sources of protein, shopping habits, typical eating patterns and commonly consumed foods, and hence consider appropriate carriers for protein enrichment. Data were reanalyzed from a combination of freely available UK datasets, including the National Dietary and Nutrition Survey and the Food and You Survey, alongside data purchased from market research consultancy, Kantar. These insights draw attention to the potential suitability of foods for fortification purposes, with the ultimate objective to promote eating pleasure and prevent malnutrition.

Do Bioactive Food Compound with Avena sativa L., Linum usitatissimum L. and Glycine max L. Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam. Have a Role against Nutritional Disorders? An Overview of the In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Functional clinical nutrition is an integrative science; it uses dietary strategies, functional foods and medicinal plants, as well as combinations thereof. Both functional foods and medicinal plants, whether associated or not, form nutraceuticals, which can bring benefits to health, in addition to being included in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some functional food effects from Avena sativa L. (oats), Linum usitatissimum L. (brown flaxseed), Glycine max L. (soya) and Moringa oleifera have been proposed for nutritional disorders through in vitro and in vivo tests. A formulation called a bioactive food compound (BFC) showed efficiency in the association of oats, flaxseed and soy for dyslipidemia and obesity. In this review, we discuss the effects of BFC in other nutritional disorders, as well as the beneficial effects of M. oleifera in obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, intestinal inflammatory diseases/colorectal carcinogenesis and malnutrition. In addition, we hypothesized that a BFC enriched with M. oleifera could present a synergistic effect and play a potential benefit in nutritional disorders. The traditional consumption of M. oleifera preparations can allow associations with other formulations, such as BFC. These nutraceutical formulations can be easily accepted and can be used in sweet preparations (fruit and/or vegetable juices, fruit and/or vegetable vitamins, porridges, yogurt, cream, mousses or fruit salads, cakes and cookies) or savory (vegetable purees, soups, broths and various sauces), cooked or not. These formulations can be low-cost and easy-to-use. The association of bioactive food substances in dietary formulations can facilitate adherence to consumption and, thus, contribute to the planning of future nutritional interventions for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of the clinical conditions presented in this study. This can be extended to the general population. However, an investigation through clinical studies is needed to prove applicability in humans.

Whey Protein Derived Mouthdrying Found to Relate Directly to Retention Post Consumption but Not to Induced Differences in Salivary Flow Rate

Whey protein is fortified into beverages to provide functional benefits, however, these beverages are considered mouthdrying. To date whey protein derived mouthdrying has not been quantified using a 'physical measure' in parallel with rated perception. Saliva flow could also relate to whey protein derived mouthdrying, however this has not been previously tested as an intervention. Accordingly, volunteers (n = 40) tested mouthdrying in different whey beverages and the sensory profile was evaluated by a trained sensory panel (n = 10). Volunteers also rated mouthdrying combined with collection of saliva samples post beverage consumption to measure retention to the oral cavity. To modulate saliva flow rate, volunteers both chewed on parafilm (to increase saliva flow) and used cotton wool (to remove saliva) before tasting beverages and rating mouthdrying. Both the volunteers and sensory panel rated whey protein beverages (WPB) as significantly more mouthdrying than the control beverage (whey permeate). The significantly higher rating of mouthdrying from the volunteers coincided with significantly higher protein concentration in saliva samples post WPB consumption, supporting mucoadhesion as the mechanism. Modulating saliva flow did not lead to any difference in rated mouthdrying and future work would be beneficial to evaluate further the influence of natural variation in salivary flow rate.

Influence of Age and Individual Differences on Mouthfeel Perception of Whey Protein-Fortified Products: A Review

Protein needs are considered to increase with age, with protein consumption being associated with many positive outcomes. Protein-fortified products are often used to improve nutritional status and prevent age-related muscle mass loss in older adults. Accordingly, older adults are commonly provided with products fortified with whey protein; however, such products can cause mouthdrying, limiting consumption and product enjoyment. Currently, the extent to which age and individual differences (e.g., saliva, oral health, food oral processing) influence the perception of whey protein-derived mouthdrying is relatively unclear. Previous research in this area has mainly focused on investigating mouthdrying, without taking into account individual differences that could influence this perception within the target population. Therefore, the main focus of this review is to provide an overview of the relevant individual differences likely to influence mouthfeel perception (specifically mouthdrying) from whey protein-fortified products, thereby enabling the future design of such products to incorporate better the needs of older adults and improve their nutritional status. This review concludes that age and individual differences are likely to influence mouthdrying sensations from whey protein-fortified products. Future research should focus more on the target population and individual differences to maximise the benefits from whey protein fortification.

Consistent Effects of Whey Protein Fortification on Consumer Perception and Liking of Solid Food Matrices (Cakes and Biscuits) Regardless of Age and Saliva Flow

Although there are numerous high protein products on the market, they are typically not designed with, or for, older consumers. This is surprising considering that dietary guidelines recognise the need for higher protein intake in later life. Protein fortified products are, however, associated with negative sensory attributes and poor consumer acceptance. This paper investigates the extent of mouthdrying sensations within a high protein solid food matrix, along with the effect of age and saliva flow. Solid models using cakes and biscuits, with or without protein fortification, were investigated. The sensory profile and physical properties were analysed and two volunteer studies (n = 84; n = 70) were carried out using two age groups (18–30; 65+). Volunteers rated individual perception and liking of products, and salivary flow rates (mL/min) were measured. Unstimulated salivary flow rates were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in older adults, although this was not found to influence product perception. Protein fortification of cakes and biscuits significantly increased (p < 0.05) perceived mouthdrying, hardness and “off” flavours, and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) melting rate, moistness and liking compared with the control versions. There is a clear need to address negative sensory attributes associated with protein fortification of cakes and biscuits to ensure product suitability for older adults.

The Challenge of Managing Undernutrition in Older People with Frailty

Many older people with frailty are at risk of malnutrition and poor health, yet there is evidence that improving nutrition and weight loss can reduce frailty. This will become more important as the number of older people with frailty increases worldwide in future. Identifying those at risk is challenging due to the difficulty of reaching and screening those older people most at risk, the large number of nutritional assessment tools used, and the lack of consensus on the criteria to make a diagnosis of malnutrition. The management of older people with or at risk of malnutrition should be multi-modal and multi-disciplinary, and all care staff have an important role in delivering appropriate nutritional advice and support. This paper will highlight a number of practical approaches that clinicians can take to manage malnutrition in older people with frailty in community and acute settings, including environmental changes to enhance mealtime experience, food fortification and supplementation.