Mineral Fortification and Bioavailability in Processed Milk
Mineral fortification in processed milk presents unique challenges in bioavailability and stability. Current methods achieve calcium absorption rates between 20-40%, while essential trace minerals like zinc and iron often show interaction effects that reduce their biological accessibility. Processing conditions, particularly heat treatment above 72°C during pasteurization, can significantly alter mineral binding properties and protein-mineral complexes.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining mineral bioavailability while preventing unwanted interactions that can affect both nutrient absorption and product stability.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including alpha-lactalbumin enriched formulations for enhanced calcium binding, amino acid chelate technologies for improved trace mineral delivery, nanoparticle systems for targeted supplementation, and slow-release mineral cores. These and other approaches focus on optimizing mineral nutrition while preserving product quality and shelf stability.
1. Micronutrient Supplementation Kit with Targeted Nutrient Delivery for Preterm Infant Human Milk Fortification
MJN US HOLDINGS LLC, 2025
A human milk fortifier micronutrient supplementation kit for preterm infants, enabling precise and targeted supplementation of essential micronutrients through mother's own milk. The kit specifically addresses the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, particularly in terms of sodium, chloride, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, DHA, and inositol. The kit provides a comprehensive solution by delivering these critical micronutrients in a single, easily administered dose throughout the day, rather than relying on bolus supplementation. This approach enables the delivery of optimal levels of essential nutrients to preterm infants, particularly those with limited access to donor human milk or other fortified milk sources.
2. Milk Supplement Composition with Balanced Vitamin and Mineral Blend for Livestock
DENKAVIT LICENTIE EXPL MIJ B V, 2024
Service products for supplementing milk to improve the nutritional status of young animals in livestock farming. The products contain a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, particularly targeting deficiencies in iron, vitamin C, D, and E, which are critical for growth and health. The products are designed to be added to milk, either as a temporary supplement or as a top dressing, and are formulated to enhance the natural physiological processes of nutrient absorption in young animals.
3. Calcium-Fortified Whey Protein Concentrate with Alpha-Lactalbumin Enrichment and Enhanced Calcium Binding
NESTLE SA, 2022
A calcium-fortified dairy-based nutritional ingredient for infant formulae and growing up milks that provides high levels of bioavailable calcium. The ingredient is made by fortifying a specific type of whey protein concentrate enriched in alpha-lactalbumin (α-lac) with calcium salts. The α-lac enrichment is achieved by selectively depleting calcium from the whey protein concentrate before concentrating the α-lac. This leaves the α-lac in an "apo" form with unbound calcium sites. Adding calcium salts to this α-lac enriched whey protein concentrate results in a product with over 80% of the protein's calcium binding sites occupied, compared to around 50% in regular whey protein concentrates. This provides a calcium-fortified
4. Mineral Core with Slow-Release Formulation for Sustained Nutrient Delivery
PROVEMIX IND DE NUTRIENTES E SUPLEMENTOS PARA ANIMAIS LTDA, 2022
A mineral core for dairy cattle that provides sustained mineral nutrition through a slow-release formulation. The core is designed to deliver essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and other micronutrients to dairy cattle over an extended period, particularly during the initial stages of lactation. The core's slow-release formulation ensures consistent mineral delivery while minimizing the risk of mineral deficiencies and related health issues.
5. Concentrated Dairy Liquids with Added Minerals for Enhanced Flavor Stability
KONINKLIJKE DOUWE EGBERTS BV, 2020
Concentrated dairy liquids with improved flavor and reduced off-notes compared to conventional methods. The process involves concentrating dairy liquids like milk, then adding specific amounts of dairy minerals to the concentrated product. This provides fresh dairy flavor notes, reduced astringency, and lowered cooked and processed flavors. The added minerals can have higher calcium content compared to other minerals like potassium and magnesium. This helps counteract the flavor changes that occur during concentration and heating of dairy liquids. The added minerals can be lactose-based to avoid excess sweetness.
6. Nutritional Compositions with Integrated Vitamins, Minerals, and Bioactive Antioxidant Compounds
WEIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS, 2020
Nutritional compositions that combine vitamins and minerals with high antioxidant capacity to enhance cellular protection against oxidative damage. The compositions incorporate ingredients like resveratrol, green tea extract, and other bioactive compounds to protect against cellular damage. These compositions can be used as dietary supplements or incorporated into food products to provide comprehensive antioxidant protection.
7. Nanoparticle Formulation of Mg, Zn, Ge, and Ce with Chelating Metal Citrates for Enhanced Bioavailability in Dairy Cows
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A novel method for enhancing dairy cow milk production through targeted supplementation of essential trace elements during lactation. The approach utilizes a nanoparticle formulation of Mg, Zn, Ge, and Ce, which is administered to dairy cows at a specific daily dose. These trace elements, delivered in a nanoparticle matrix, exhibit enhanced bioavailability and efficacy compared to their molecular counterparts. The nanoparticle formulation, developed through nanotechnology, combines the chelating properties of metal citrates with the structural similarity of anionic chelate complexes, enabling more effective delivery of these essential micronutrients to the cow's biological system. This targeted approach demonstrates significant benefits in milk production, particularly in dairy cows, by optimizing the delivery of these critical nutrients during lactation.
8. Magnesium Ion-Enriched Liquid Composition with Specified Concentration Range
YISSUM RES DEV CO OF HEBREW UNIV JERUSALEM LTD, 2019
Magnesium-fortified liquids, like milk, to reduce biofilm formation, improve pasteurization, and enhance cheese making. Adding magnesium ions to liquids like milk or beverages to concentrations of 8-150 mM reduces biofilm formation. It also improves pasteurization effectiveness and protein incorporation into cheese curds.
9. Dietary Supplement Composition of Iron, Copper, and Silicon Minerals in Synergistic Combination
SEVA BAL, 2018
A dietary supplement that combines iron, copper, and silicon minerals to support genetic and metabolic health. The supplement enhances the body's natural mineral balance by incorporating these essential minerals in a synergistic combination, rather than providing them separately. This triple-mineral formulation addresses deficiencies in iron, copper, and silicon, which are commonly associated with genetic diseases and malnutrition. The supplement's unique composition enables optimal absorption and utilization of these minerals, while maintaining a balanced mineral profile.
10. Mineral Premix with Amino Acid Chelates for Microelement Supplementation in Bovine Diets
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Mineral premix for correcting microelement deficiencies in cow diets during lactation in the forest-steppe region of Ukraine. The premix contains trace elements like zinc, copper, and manganese in the form of amino acid chelates like glycinate instead of inorganic salts. This organic form has better bioavailability compared to inorganic salts. The premix is designed for the specific microelement deficiencies found in feeds in the region. Using organic amino acid chelates instead of inorganic salts improves absorption and reduces toxicity compared to high-dose inorganic salts.
11. Method for Producing Organic Trace Element Premixes with Chelated Micronutrients for Dairy Cows
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A method for enhancing dairy cow productivity by utilizing organic trace element premixes in their natural form. The premixes contain essential micronutrients like zinc, copper, and manganese, which are more readily absorbed by cows when presented in their organic chelate form compared to the inorganic forms typically used in conventional feed. The premixes are formulated as organic compounds that are naturally assimilated by cows, rather than being released as inorganic compounds that can be poorly absorbed. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional inorganic trace element premixes, particularly in terms of environmental safety and animal health.
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