Testing the effects of processing on donor human Milk: Analytical methods. (30th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kontopodi, Eva; Hettinga, Kasper; Stahl, Bernd; van Goudoever, Johannes B.; M. van Elburg, Ruurd
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 373:Part A(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-30
• Subjects: Donor human milk -- Safety -- Functionality -- Nutritional value -- Milk bank, Pasteurization; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: Pasteurization destroys several donor human milk (DHM) bioactive components. For that reason, novel processing methods are being investigated. These methods must ensure microbial safety and a higher retention of DHM bioactivity. An overview of the analytical techniques to evaluate these methods is presented. A safety, a nutritional value and a functionality analytical panel are introduced. Abstract: Holder pasteurization is the current recommended method for donor human milk treatment. This method effectively eliminates most life-threatening contaminants in donor milk, but it also greatly reduces some of its biological properties. Consequently, there is a growing interest for developing novel processing methods that can ensure both microbial inactivation and a higher retention of the functional components of donor milk. Our aim was to offer a comprehensive overview of the analytical techniques available for the evaluation of such methods. To suggest an efficient workflow for the analysis of processed donor milk, a safety analytical panel as well as a nutritional value and functionality analytical panel are discussed, together with the principles, benefits, and drawbacks of the available techniques. Concluding on the suitability of a novel method requires a multifactorial approach which can be achieved by a combination of analytical targets and by using complementary assays to cross-validate the obtained results.