Loss of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) after Retort Sterilization of the EPA-BCAA Fortified Complete Nutrition Drink

Abstract

Retort sterilization is cost-effective for small-scale production of specialized nutrition products. However, the sensory properties and stability of active ingredients after sterilization remain undetermined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of retort on the existence of functional compounds and the sensory satisfaction of a fortified complete nutrition formula with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and fish oil providing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Changes in EPA and BCAA contents after retort were determined by using LC-MS/MS. Nutrient values, osmolality, rheology and sensory acceptance of the processed fortified and control formulas were compared. After retort, the fortified formula had an increase in all types of BCAAs but 30% loss of EPA (p = 0.001). The fortified formula had slightly higher protein and fiber contents, along with increased osmolality. It had higher viscosity and shear stress, but similar IDDSI level at 0. Among flavors tested, the fortified formula with Japanese rice flavor received the highest satisfaction scores with over 80% sensory acceptance. In conclusion, retort sterilization preserved BCAAs of the functional drink, but the addition of 30% fish oil was required to compensate for the EPA loss. The sterilized fortified formula with Japanese rice flavor was sensory acceptable.

Eicosapentaenoic acid and branched-chain amino acids fortified complete nutrition drink improved muscle strength in older individuals with inadequate protein intake

“…The complete nutrition drinks were produced as described ( 27 ). Briefly, the placebo control formula liquid was made from Blendera-MF powder (Thai Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Samut Sakhon, Thailand).…”

“…The pouches were sterilized by retort at 116°C for 25 min. This condition was selected to achieve a lethality value (F0) and ensure sterility as described ( 27 ). The products passed microbial safety for low-acid canned food according to Codex standards.…”

“…Supplementary Table S1 describes the ingredients of all formulas. Nutrition values are as described ( 27 ). Our previous study showed that retort sterilization resulted in a 30% reduction in EPA content with no effects on the amount of BCAA ( 27 ).…”

“…Nutrition values are as described ( 27 ). Our previous study showed that retort sterilization resulted in a 30% reduction in EPA content with no effects on the amount of BCAA ( 27 ). Thus, in this study, we increased the amount of EPA used as a raw material by 30%, resulting in a product that, after sterilization, comprises 1.1 g of EPA and 2.5 g BCAA per 250 mL sachet.…”

“…Recently, the EPA–BCAA-fortified nutrition drink has been developed and sterilized with a retort. It passed the microbial safety test and had over 80% sensory acceptance ( 27 ). Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of energy supplementation and the combination of anti-inflammatory factor (eicosapentaenoic acid; EPA) and muscle-synthesis substrate (branched-chain amino acids; BCAA) on body composition, muscle degradation, and inflammatory biomarkers in elderly people with inadequate protein intake.…”