Food Fortification with Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Microencapsulation as an Addition Method

Biofortification of Plant- and Animal-Based Foods in Limiting the Problem of Microelement Deficiencies-A Narrative Review

With a burgeoning global population, meeting the demand for increased food production presents challenges, particularly concerning mineral deficiencies in diets. Micronutrient shortages like iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium carry severe health implications, especially in developing nations. Biofortification of plants and plant products emerges as a promising remedy to enhance micronutrient levels in food. Utilizing agronomic biofortification, conventional plant breeding, and genetic engineering yields raw materials with heightened micronutrient contents and improved bioavailability. A similar strategy extends to animal-derived foods by fortifying eggs, meat, and dairy products with micronutrients. Employing "dual" biofortification, utilizing previously enriched plant materials as a micronutrient source for livestock, proves an innovative solution. Amid biofortification research, conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments is essential to assess the bioactivity of micronutrients from enriched materials, emphasizing digestibility, bioavailability, and safety. Mineral deficiencies in human diets present a significant health challenge. Biofortification of plants and animal products emerges as a promising approach to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, necessitating further research into the utilization of biofortified raw materials in the human diet, with a focus on bioavailability, digestibility, and safety.

Amelioration of nutritional properties of bakery fat using omega-3 fatty acid-rich edible oils: a review

Bakery products have gained prominence in modern diets due to their convenience and accessibility, often serving as staple meals across diverse regions. However, the fats used in these products are rich in saturated fatty acids and often comprise trans fatty acids, which are considered as a major biomarker for non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disorders, obesity and diabetes. Additionally, these fats lack the essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are widely known for their therapeutic benefits. They play a major role in lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. Thus, there is need for incorporating these essential fatty acids into bakery fats. Nevertheless, fortifying food products with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) poses several challenges due to their high susceptibility to oxidation. This oxidative deterioration leads to not only the formation of undesirable flavors, but also a loss of nutritional value in the final products. This review focuses on the development of healthier trans-fat-free bakery fat enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and its effect on the physicochemical, functional, sensory and nutritional properties of bakery fats and products. Further, the role of various technologies like physical blending, enzymatic interesterification and encapsulation to improve the stability of PUFA-rich bakery fat is discussed, where microencapsulation emerged as a novel and effective technology to enhance the stability and shelf life. By preventing deteriorative changes, microencapsulation ensures that the nutritional, physicochemical and sensory properties of food products remain intact. Novel modification methods like interesterification and microencapsulation used for developing PUFA-rich bakery fats have a potential to address the health risks occurring due to consumption of bakery fat having higher amount of saturated and trans fatty acids. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microcapsules of Sacha Inchi seed oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) obtained by spray drying as a potential ingredient to formulate functional foods

Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO) is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids with important health benefits, but is temperature sensitive. Spray drying is a technology that improves the long-term stability of bioactive compounds. This work aimed to study the effect of three different homogenization techniques on some physical properties and bioavailability of microcapsules of Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO) emulsions obtained by spray drying. Emulsions were formulated with SIO (5%, w/w), maltodextrin:sodium caseinate as wall material (10%, w/w; 85:15), Tween 20 (1%, w/w) and Span 80 (0.5%, w/w) as surfactants and water up to 100% (w/w). Emulsions were prepared using high-speed (Dispermat D-51580, 18,000 rpm, 10 min), conventional (Mixer K-MLIM50N01, Turbo speed, 5 min), and ultrasound probe (Sonics Materials VCX 750, 35% amplitude, 750 W, 30 min) homogenization. SIO microcapsules were obtained in a Mini Spray B-290 (Büchi) using two inlet temperatures of the drying air (150 and 170 °C). Moisture, density, dissolution rate, hygroscopicity, drying efficiency (EY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity, and oil release in digestive fluids in vitro were studied. Results showed that the microcapsules obtained by spray-drying had low moisture values and high encapsulation yield and efficiency values (greater than 50% and 70%, respectively). The thermogravimetric analysis indicates that heat protection was assured, enhancing the shelf life and the ability to withstand thermal food processing. Results suggest that spray-drying encapsulation could be a suitable technology to successfully microencapsulate SIO and enhance the absorption of bioactive compounds in the intestine. This work highlights the use of Latin American biodiversity and spray drying technology to ensure the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. This technology represents an opportunity for the development of new functional foods, improving the safety and quality of conventional foods.

Current Advantages in the Application of Microencapsulation in Functional Bread Development

Bread is one of the most widely embraced food products and is highly accepted by consumers. Despite being rich in complex carbohydrates (i.e., starch), bread is generally poor in other micro- and macronutrients. Rising consumer demand for healthier food has resulted in the growth of studies focused on bread fortification with bioactive ingredients (i.e., vitamins, prebiotics, and vegetable extracts). However, the baking process leads to the reduction (or even lessening) of the added substance. In addition, the direct inclusion of bioactive compounds and additives in bread has other limitations, such as adverse effects on sensory characteristics and undesirable interaction with other food ingredients. Encapsulation allows for overcoming these drawbacks and at the same time improves the overall quality and shelf-life of bread by controlling the release, protection, and uniform distribution of these compounds. In the last ten years, several studies have shown that including micro/nano-encapsulated bioactive substances instead of free compounds allows for the enrichment or fortification of bread, which can be achieved without negatively impacting its physicochemical and textural properties. This review aims to identify and highlight useful applications in the production of new functional bread through encapsulation technology, summarizing the heath benefit and the effect of microcapsule inclusion in dough and bread from a technological and sensory point of view.

Obtention of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis Linneo) Seed Oil Microcapsules as a Strategy for the Valorization of Amazonian Fruits: Physicochemical, Morphological, and Controlled Release Characterization

Sacha inchi seed oil (SIO) is a promising ingredient for the development of functional foods due to its large amount of high-value compounds; however, it is prone to oxidation. This work aimed to obtain SIO microcapsules using conventional and ultrasound probe homogenization and using spray- and freeze-drying technologies as effective approaches to improve the long-term stability of functional compounds. The application of ultrasound probe homogenization improved the rheological and emulsifying properties and decreased the droplet size and interfacial tension of emulsions. The microcapsules obtained by both drying technologies had low moisture (1.64-1.76) and water activity (0.03-0.11) values. Spray-dried microcapsules showed higher encapsulation efficiency (69.90-70.18%) compared to freeze-dried ones (60.02-60.16%). Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that heat protection was assured, enhancing the shelf-life. Results suggest that both drying technologies are considered effective tools to produce stable microcapsules. However, spray-drying technology is positioned as a more economical alternative to freeze-drying.

Loading of fish oil into β-cyclodextrin nanocomplexes for the production of a functional yogurt

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The main limitation of adding fish oil into food products is its instability and oxidation.

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It leads to the production of improper aroma, unpleasant odor/taste of final product.

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β-cyclodextrin (BCD) inclusion complexes were applied for encapsulation of fish oil.

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Physicochemical properties of produced yogurt were investigated during storage at 4 °C.

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Adding encapsulated fish oil into yogurt gave closer properties to control sample.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in achieving optimal health and in protection against diseases. Although instability and oxidation of its essential fatty acids has limited its use in food products. Among the strategies used to prevent these challenges, the encapsulation technique has been the most successful method. Therefore, in this study, β-cyclodextrin (BCD) inclusion complexes were applied for encapsulation of fish oil and its addition into yogurt for fortification. Physicochemical properties of produced yogurt as well as sensory tests were investigated during 21 days of storage at 4 °C. The results showed that encapsulation of fish oil with BCD significantly reduced the acidity, peroxide value, and syneresis of yogurt while increasing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In conclusion, the results demonstrated that yoghurt fortified with encapsulated fish oil has similar sensory qualities to the control sample than yoghurt fortified with free fish oil.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Emerging Plant and Microbial Sources, Oxidative Stability, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits-A Review

The omega−3 (n−3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid are well known to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. In view of the alarming increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, consumer interest and demand are rapidly increasing for natural dietary sources of n−3 PUFAs. Among the plant sources, seed oils from chia (Salvia hispanica), flax (Linum usitatissimum), and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) are now widely considered to increase α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the diet. Moreover, seed oil of Echium plantagineum, Buglossoides arvensis, and Ribes sp. are widely explored as a source of stearidonic acid (SDA), a more effective source than is ALA for increasing the EPA and DHA status in the body. Further, the oil from microalgae and thraustochytrids can also directly supply EPA and DHA. Thus, these microbial sources are currently used for the commercial production of vegan EPA and DHA. Considering the nutritional and commercial importance of n−3 PUFAs, this review critically discusses the nutritional aspects of commercially exploited sources of n−3 PUFAs from plants, microalgae, macroalgae, and thraustochytrids. Moreover, we discuss issues related to oxidative stability and bioavailability of n−3 PUFAs and future prospects in these areas.

Omega-3-Rich Oils from Marine Side Streams and Their Potential Application in Food

Rapid population growth and increasing food demand have impacts on the environment due to the generation of residues, which could be managed using sustainable solutions such as the circular economy strategy (waste generated during food processing must be kept within the food chain). Reusing discarded fish remains is part of this management strategy, since they contain high-value ingredients and bioactive compounds that can be used for the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Fish side streams such as the head, liver, or skin or the cephalothorax, carapace, and tail from shellfish are important sources of oils rich in omega-3. In order to resolve the disadvantages associated with conventional methods, novel extraction techniques are being optimized to improve the quality and the oxidative stability of these high-value oils. Positive effects on cardiovascular and vision health, diabetes, cancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and immune system improvement are among their recognized properties. Their incorporation into different model systems could contribute to the development of functional foods, with market benefits for consumers. These products improve the nutritional needs of specific population groups in a scenario where noncommunicable diseases and pandemic crises are responsible for several deaths worldwide.

Overcoming bread quality decay concerns: main issues for bread shelf life as a function of biological leavening agents and different extra ingredients used in formulation. A review

As is widely accepted, the quality decay of freshly baked bread that affects product shelf life is the result of a complex multifactorial process that involves physical staling, together with microbiological, chemical and sensorial spoilage. In this context, this paper provides a critical review of the recent literature about the main factors affecting shelf life of bread during post-baking. An overview of the recent findings about the mechanism of bread staling is firstly provided. Afterwards, the effect on staling induced by baker's yeasts and sourdough as well as by the extra ingredients commonly utilized for bread fortification is also addressed and discussed. As inclusion/exclusion criteria, only papers dealing with wheat bread and not with long-life bread or gluten-free bakery products are taken into consideration. Despite recent developments in international scientific literature, the whole mechanism that induces bread staling is far from being completely understood and the best analytical methods to be adopted to measure and/or describe in depth this process appear still debated. In this topic, the effects induced on bread shelf life by the use of biological leavening agents (baker's yeasts and sourdough) as well as by some extra ingredients included in the bread recipe have been individuated as two key issues to be addressed and discussed in terms of their influence on the kinetics of bread staling. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development and Sensory Evaluation of Omega-3-Rich Nile Perch Fish Oil-Fortified Yogurt

Nile perch (Lates niloticus) is a major fish species in East Africa and its processing produces sufficient amounts of by-products containing significant amounts of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Due to the health benefits associated with PUFAs, they can be incorporated into commonly consumed foods such as yoghurt. This study is aimed at developing an omega-3-rich functional yoghurt and evaluating its quality and acceptability. Omega-3-rich fish oils were obtained from Nile perch fat pads in the presence and absence of a commercial food grade enzyme Alcalase. Recovery of omega-3-rich fish oil was done by centrifugation at 1000 × g at room temperature. The peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), total oxidation (TOTOX), and free fatty acids (FFA) were some of the quality parameters investigated. Natural yoghurt (150 ml) was prepared and spiked with 3.5 g of omega-3-rich Nile perch oil. To mask the fishy flavor and taste, four different flavors were used and sensory evaluation of the yoghurt samples was performed. The liberation of Nile perch fish oil in the absence of Alcalase gave better yield (60.7% wet weight), while the use of Alcalase gave lower yields (48.3% wet weight). Assessment of the quality of the extracted fish oils showed that all parameters were within the required limits. Sensory characterization by a panel of students showed that passion and strawberry flavors were the most liked with mean values of 4.65 and 4.625, respectively. This study revealed that substantial amounts of omega-3-rich fish oil can be extracted from Nile perch fish pads in the absence of exogenous enzymes. Fortification of yoghurt with omega-3-rich Nile perch fish oils is an approach towards increasing omega-3 intake within the Kenyan population and globally.

Cheese fortification through the incorporation of UFA-rich sources: A review of recent (2010-2020) evidence

Cheese is a widely consumed dairy product with high saturated fatty acids (SFA) content, and with other high nutritional quality components. Due to the link of SFA and different diseases, many studies have replaced the cheese fat content with unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) rich sources to improve its nutritional quality. The fat replacement has physicochemical, textural, and sensory effects on dairy matrix. To the food science is mandatory to know which technological strategies of milk processing improve the quality of the end products. The most relevant results reveal that fish oil (FO) and flaxseed oil (FSO) have been the most researched UFA-rich sources, microencapsulation has been the most studied incorporation technology because it allows the oil entrapment with minimal effects on the cheese quality, and non-thermal technologies allow greater UFA fortification in cheese, improving its nutritional quality. Finally, the development of fortified cheeses with UFA-rich sources has been found as an innovative strategy to obtain high quality products with functional potential.

Effect of the Leavening Agent on the Compositional and Sensorial Characteristics of Bread Fortified with Flaxseed Cake

Health and well-being improvement is currently driving innovation in bread, using a wide variety of value-added compounds as extra ingredients, including food industry by-products in a circular economy concept. In this context, this research aimed at evaluating the effect of the fortification of bread with different percentages of flaxseed cake, comparing two leavening agents: sourdough and baker’s yeast. Sensorial, physicochemical, and nutritional properties, including pH, the main fermentative metabolites, fatty acids, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, and volatile organic compounds were determined for fortified bread. The results showed a significant improvement of nutraceutical profile of the bread fortified with flaxseed cake in a dose-dependent manner. Regardless of the leavening agent, the fortification determined a decrease of n-6:n-3 ratio, reaching the recommended value (<3) already at the 7.5% level. Furthermore, under the same fortification level, sourdough breads showed a higher level of total phenols and antiradical activity than baker’s yeast breads. Sensory profiles were instead deeply influenced by both the fortification percentage and the leavening agents. In conclusion, considering both nutritional and sensory results, the best formulation as a function of leavening agent utilized was defined as 5% and 7.5% when sourdough and baker’s yeast were used, respectively.

Inflammation and cardiovascular disease: are marine phospholipids the answer?

This review presents the latest research on the cardioprotective effects of n-3 fatty acids (FA) and n-3 FA bound to polar lipids (PL). Overall, n-3 PL may have enhanced bioavailability and potentially bioactivityversusfree FA and ester forms of n-3 FA.