The stability of milk-based infant formulas during accelerated storage

The stability of milk-based formulas (infant formula and follow-up formula) were evaluated at 42°C and 50°C, during 90 days. Unsaturated fatty acids, color, peroxide values, headspace oxygen and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed to evaluate the stability of milk-based formulas. No significant changes were observed in the unsaturated fatty acids (except DHA with a significant decrease after 90 days storage) of milk-based formulas stored at 42 or 50°C for 90 days. There is a significant change in color of the formulas during storage. For peroxide values and headspace oxygen, samples which were stored at a higher temperature would have higher peroxide values and less headspace oxygen after 90 days. For VOCs, results showed the significant differences of VOCs profiles in the formulas stored at different temperatures and lengths of storage period. In this study, the higher fat, the less oxidation stability was found.