Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermentable Cereal- and Pseudocereal-Based Beverages

Plant beverages are becoming more popular, and fermented cereal- or pseudocereal-based beverages are increasingly used as alternatives for fermented products made from cow milk. This review aimed to describe the basic components of cereal- or pseudocereal-based beverages and determine the feasibility of fermenting them with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to obtain products with live and active LAB cells and increased dietary value. The technology used for obtaining cereal- or pseudocereal-based milk substitutes primarily involves the extraction of selected plant material, and the obtained beverages differ in their chemical composition and nutritional value (content of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, glycemic index, etc.) due to the chemical diversity of the cereal and pseudocereal raw materials and the operations used for their production. Beverages made from cereals or pseudocereals are an excellent matrix for the growth of LAB, and the lactic acid fermentation not only produces desirable changes in the flavor of fermented beverages and the biological availability of nutrients but also contributes to the formation of functional compounds (e.g., B vitamins).

Influence of skimming of calves with skim milk substitute on physiological condition and productivity

The high demand for protein during this period of the calf's life is due to the active growth of muscle tissue, and protein is the structural material of all organs. A lack of protein in the diet of calves contributes to a delay in their growth and an excess to the expenditure of additional energy for the deamination of excess amino acids and the elimination of the corresponding decay products through the excretory system of the body. The younger the calves, the higher the protein level in their diet should be. The work aimed to establish the most effective protein norms in the composition of skim milk substitutes for calves over 65 days of age. The study of the influence of feeding skims milk substitute on calves' physiological state and productivity was carried out on four groups of bulls. All tested skim milk replacers varied in protein content but were almost the same in all nutritional parameters. The main ingredients of skim milk substitutes (ZOM 1) for calves of group I were, %: milk proteins – 70, vegetable proteins (soy + wheat) – 29, vitamin and mineral complex, probiotic culture – 1. For calves of group II (ZOM 2) used,%: milk proteins – 70, vegetable proteins (soy + wheat protein) – 29, vitamin-mineral complex – 1. protein) – 29, vitamin and mineral complex – 1. Studies have shown that skim milk substitutes in calves feeding, containing 20 and 22 % protein in the composition of KR-2 compound feed 10 % by weight, was reflected in the improvement of the morpho-biochemical design of the blood. At the same time, there is a tendency to an increase in the concentration of total protein in the blood serum by 3.1 and 3.3 % with a decrease in the amount of urea by 3.5 and 5.2 %, which made it possible to increase the average daily gain in live weight to 3.1 % while reducing costs feed and its price by 1.5 and 0.9 percent.

The Politics of Regulating Foods for Infants and Young Children: A Case Study on the Framing and Contestation of Codex Standard-Setting Processes on Breast-Milk Substitutes

Background: Breastfeeding is important for the health and development of the child, and for maternal health, in all country contexts. However, global sales of breast-milk substitutes (BMS), including infant, follow-up and toddler formulas, have ‘boomed’ in recent decades. This raises the importance of international food standards established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) on the safety, composition and labelling of BMS. Such standards appear to be strongly contested by governments, industry and civil society groups, yet few studies have investigated the politics of Codex standard-setting processes. The aim of this paper is to understand who participates in decision-making, and how actors frame and contest proposals to revise the Codex Standard on Follow-up Formula (FUF). Methods: We adopted a case study design involving two steps. First, we enumerated government, industry, civil society, and international organization stakeholders participating in standard-setting processes of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU). Second, we conducted a framing analysis of stakeholder inputs during the FUF standard revision in CCNFSDU meetings. Publicly available online meeting reports (2015-2019) were retrieved, analyzed using a theoretical framework, and organized thematically. Results: High-income country (HIC) delegates greatly outnumbered those from other country income categories. Industry representation was higher compared with other observer categories Member state delegations included more industry representation than civil society representation, and were occasionally the only member state delegates. Industry stakeholders framed arguments in terms of trade implications, science, and flexible standards. Civil society groups used public health, science, and pro-breastfeeding frames. Conclusion: Codex BMS standard-setting procedures are dominated by HICs and industry groups. Limited representation of civil society, and of middle- and low-income countries, suggest actions are needed to substantially increase support for their involvement at Codex. Such representation may help to counteract power asymmetries and commercial influences on food standards for infants and young children.

New cereal concentrates with increased biological value in the modern nutrition structure

This article highlights the problem of functional nutrition in Ukraine. Rationale and need for creating new products with improved properties are substantiated, the list of used natural additives, which are a source of important nutrients, is given. The results of conducted tests confirm the optimization of the chemical composition of new cereal concentrates, improvement of their organoleptic properties, an extension of shelf life, which indicates that the choice of the prescription components is correct and their rational proportion. The nutritional and biological value of Extrapolyvitamix, a new cereal concentrate, enriched with vegetable powders, wheat germ, casein iodide, and raisins, is determined. The investigations of cereal concentrate properties proved that they might be included in a group of functional foods due to changes in chemical composition, which will compensate for the deficiency of nutrients necessary for optimal body functioning after previous diseases. The rational concentrations of functional ingredients that can be used in new products are established. It is proved that the use of vegetable-based milk substitutes will allow the development of new products that meet current market needs. Taking into account global trends and changes in consumer preferences, plans for future studies focuses on creating new products with high biological value using only plant raw materials.

Analysis of the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Unfermented Palm Sap Reserved for Infant Feeding

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters that could contribute to the depreciation of the quality of unfermented palm sap used for infant feeding. Study Design: A survey was conducted in 20 villages and camps to determine if the practice was still current. Also, unfermented sap was produced from 5 palms by resource persons to control the quality during the days of exploitation. Place and Duration of Study: The survey was carried out from March 1st to 30th in villages and camps in Central and Central-Western Cote d'Ivoire. The production of the sap took place during one week in the village of Akpessekro. Methodology: 30 people, without distinction randomly crossed were questioned on the food consumed at the age of 0 to 6 months. Also, in the unfermented sap produced acidity, sugar content, loads of GAM, thermotolerant coliforms, enterococci, yeasts and molds were determined and multiple correlations were established between all parameters. Results: In the villages and camps, palm sap is less and less used as infant food. During the first two days of palm farming, the acidity (6 < pH < 6.11) approximates that of breast milk or milk substitutes. However, after these two days, the acidity becomes high and the sugar content too low for infant feeding. In the unfermented sap, the loads of coliform fecal contamination germs are higher than the required standards. Also, the large load of lactic acid bacteria (≥1.5E+04 ufc/ml) and yeasts (1.4E+04 ufc/ml) present in the sap contribute to a depreciation of its quality over the days and when the sap is left to rest. Conclusion: The quality of unfermented palm sap as infant food is not guaranteed. This is one of the reasons why this practice is in decline nowadays.

IS ANYBODY KEEPING THE CODE IN BULGARIA? A STUDY TO EXPLORE LOCAL PARENTS' AWARENESS REGARDING THE INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR THE MARKETING OF BREAST-MILK SUBSTITUTES.

This paper reviews Bulgarian parents’ awareness concerning the existence of the WHO Code for the marketing of breast-milk substitutes and how it can help them optimize their breastfeeding journey. Frequently occurring problems and breaches of the Code in Bulgaria are discussed, and their context explained. We focus on parental attitudes and investigate whether they acknowledge the significant necessity for a Code-compliant prenatal education and postnatal care. We also explore their viewpoints on the implementation of the Code and maximizing compliance with it on a local level. The research findings are presented graphically, and we present tendencies showcased by respondents’ opinions they have expressed in the survey. OBJECTIVES: Purposes of this research are: (1) to explore parents’ awareness about the WHO Code and their encounter with local prenatal classes in this regard (2) to assess their viewpoints on implementing the Code and if they see it as a significant step towards an optimal breastfeeding experience. METHODS: The methods we applied include an online-based cross-sectional semi-quantitative questionnaire with closed-ended and open-ended questions, aiming to explore parents’ current knowledge and viewpoints in regard to the Code and its implementation in Bulgaria. The research has been carried out via social media, and it samples parents from a local parent peer support group. Acquired data from closed-ended questions is presented, demonstrating percentages and tendencies. RESULTS: A total of 463 respondents are included CONCLUSION: It is a common practice in Bulgaria for prenatal classes not to comply with the WHO Code. Disregarding recommendations and evidence-based medicine, both some experts and companies under the scope of the Code breach its main points. Code-compliant prenatal education is practically almost non-existent with the lack of midwife-led care and classes, predominantly in the private sector, where they are almost entirely, sponsored by those companies. Nearly all parents included in this survey are more than willing and motivated to have access to Code-compliant prenatal education and postnatal care. The lack of such leaves almost no choice for Bulgarian parents actually to have access to code-compliant education and care. This inevitably influences their decision making, attitudes and behavior, potentially leading to lower breastfeeding rates and suboptimal breastfeeding satisfaction and success. Adequate measures must be reinforced to ensure implementation and proper legislation, providing monitoring and enforcement, protecting parents and their babies when they are most vulnerable.

PREPARATION OF VEGAN MILK FROM CERALS (Vigna unguiculata) AND STANDARDISATION OF VEGAN CURD

The consumption of plant-based milk substitutes has spread rapidly around the world due to its numerous positive health effects on the human body. Individuals with cow's milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and hypocholesterolemia prefer these beverages. Consumers have tended toward a plant-based diet which includes cereal, legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables because of varied reasons such as an aversion to animal cruelty, a desire for a healthy lifestyle, and environmental awareness. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is often referred to as the poor man's meat as it is a significant source of protein, minerals, and vitamins for the rural poor who have limited access to protein from animal sources such as meat and fish.

What Hinders Twin Mothers From Breastfeeding - A Qualitative Study of Chinese Women

Objective To explore the difficulties of twin mothers in breastfeeding and the factors that promote breastfeeding, so as to develop interventions to improve the breastfeeding rate of twin mothers. Methods Semi-structured interviews were used to interview women with twin pregnancy experience. Results We found that twin pregnancy itself was an obstacle to breastfeeding. Lack of breastfeeding knowledge guidance, separation of mother and newborns, poor maternal and child health conditions and the convenience of breast milk substitutes also hindered the implementation of breastfeeding for women with twin pregnancy. On the other hand, the emotional support of family members, proper breastfeeding guidance, sufficient breast milk production and economic pressure were the main factors that promote the breastfeeding of women with twin pregnancy. Conclusion To promote the breastfeeding of women with twin pregnancy needs the support of family, society and policy. Breastfeeding education should be extended to prenatal care and the primary caregiver of the new mother, and timely guidance should be provided after delivery to achieve satisfactory breast milk production.

Implementation of two policies to extend maternity leave and further restrict marketing of breast milk substitutes in Vietnam: a qualitative study

Policy research can reveal gaps and opportunities to enhance policy impact and implementation. In this study, we use a theoretically informed qualitative approach to investigate the implementation of two policies to promote breastfeeding in Vietnam. We conducted semi-structured interviews with national and local policy stakeholders (n = 26) in 2017. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and then translated to English by certified translators. Transcript data were analysed using an integrated conceptual framework of policy implementation. Respondents identified several positive outcomes resulting from implementation of an extended maternity leave policy (Labour Code No. 10/2012/QH13) and further restrictions on marketing of breast milk substitutes (Decree No. 100/2014/ND-CP). Decree No. 100, in particular, was said to have reduced advertising of breast milk substitutes in mass media outlets and healthcare settings. Key implementation actors were national-level bureaucratic actors, local organizations and international partners. Findings reveal the importance of policy precedence and a broader set of policies to promote the rights of women and children to support implementation. Other facilitators were involvement from national-level implementing agencies and healthcare personnel and strength of government relationships and coordination with non-governmental and international organizations. Implementation challenges included insufficient funding, limited training to report violations, a cumbersome reporting process and pervasive misinformation about breast milk and breast milk substitutes. Limited reach for women employed in the informal labour sector and in rural communities was said to be a compatibility issue for the extended maternity leave policy in addition to the lack of impact on non-parental guardians and caretakers. Recommendations to improve policy implementation include designating a role for international organizations in supporting implementation, expanding maternity protections for all working women, building local-level policy knowledge to support enforcement, simplifying Decree No. 100 violation reporting processes and continuing to invest in interventions to facilitate a supportive policy environment in Vietnam.