The Effect of Probiotic Bacteria on the Reduction of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2- Diol (3-MCPD) in Powdered Infant Formula

Elnaz Shariat; Ladan Rashidi; Naser Harzandi

doi:10.18502/jabs.v14i4.16689

Elnaz Shariat Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Ladan Rashidi Department of Food and Agricultural Products, Food Technology and Agricultural Products Research Center, Standard Research Institute (SRI), Karaj, Iran
Naser Harzandi Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jabs.v14i4.16689

Keywords: Infant formulas, 3-monochloropropane-1, 2-diol, Probiotics, Gas chromatography

Abstract

Background & Objectives: 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a chemical contaminant found in many food products, including infant formulas. Given the vital contribution of milk and its products to the human diet, particularly for children, the presence of 3-MCPD in dairy products poses a significant public health concern. Therefore, it is crucial to explore natural compounds for 3-MCPD removal. This study investigates the effect of probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus murinus, and Yarrowia lipolytica) on reducing 3-MCPD levels in infant formula containing various 3-MCPD concentrations.

Materials & Methods: L. plantarum, L. murinus bacteria , and Y. lipolytica yeast were prepared as active cultures. Subsequently, various 3-MCPD concentrations were added to the infant formula, and the effect of the bacteria and the yeast on 3-MCPD reduction was investigated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID).

Results: L. plantarum, L. murinus, and Y. lipolytica demonstrated the ability to reduce 3-MCPD levels in the infant formula at different concentrations and contact times. L. plantarum and Y. lipolytica were found to be more effective in reducing 3-MCPD in the infant formula compared to L. murinus .

Conclusion: The results indicate that probiotic bacteria can effectively mitigate the toxic effect of 3-MCPD. These findings have potential applications in the food industry, particularly in dairy products.