Fórmulas infantis prebióticas: caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e verificação do efeito prebiótico

Abstract

Infant formulas (IF) constitute an important nutritional alternative for infants when breastfeeding is not possible, making it essential to ensure their physicochemical, microbiological, and functional quality. This study aimed to characterize prebiotic infant formulas intended for infants aged 0 to 6 months regarding their physicochemical composition, microbiological quality, and their ability to stimulate probiotic growth in vitro. Three commercial brands of IF supplemented with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), acquired from retail stores in Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil, were evaluated. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were performed on powdered and reconstituted formulas immediately after the package was opened and after storage periods at room temperature. The growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus in media supplemented with these formulas was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the IF presented centesimal composition within the limits established by Brazilian legislation, although significant differences among brands and batches were observed in some parameters. Microbiological analyses showed the absence of pathogenic microorganisms of sanitary relevance, indicating satisfactory microbiological safety conditions throughout the evaluated period. A slight increase in mesophilic aerobic counts was observed during storage of the reconstituted formulas; however, the values remained within acceptable standards. Formulas supplemented with prebiotics promoted the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, demonstrating a potential in vitro prebiotic effect. It was concluded that the evaluated prebiotic infant formulas presented satisfactory physicochemical and microbiological quality, in addition to functional potential related to the stimulation of beneficial bacterial growth, reinforcing their importance as a nutritional alternative for infants.