Formulation and evaluation of novel nutraceuticals rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, natural flavors, and steviol glycosides for improving quality of life

Abstract

Abstract For a wide range of people, including malnourished adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), micronutrient deficiency, underweight and overweight people, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescents, the current research aimed to present novel nutraceuticals devoted to improving the quality of life (QoL) with evidence-based health benefits, with daily values (DVs) according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), containing high-quality whey protein concentrate (WPC 70%), skim milk powder (SMP 34%), vitamins (folic acid, B12, C), minerals (iron, zinc), natural flavors (vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, chocolate), and stevia leaves extract (zero-calorie sweetener). The novel nutraceutical formulations were subjected to the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation. The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) among formulations with natural flavors added in different amounts in order to provide 10 g of protein (20% DV), elemental iron and zinc, vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin B12 (25% DV), with elemental calcium (20% DV) emerged from milk derivatives. The serving sizes of the four formulas were different according to the difference in the amount of natural flavor while keeping the same amounts of the other ingredients. Following the chocolate-flavored formulation as the first in order of overall acceptability, were coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla-flavored formulation, according to the sensory evaluation.