The viscosity-enhancing effect of carob bean gum and sodium carboxymethylcellulose when added to infant formula

Publication type: 
Article
Author(s): 
Kyara Baert, Mathieu Ombecq, Myriam Van Winckel, Silke Henry, Eline Tommelein & Valérie Vanhoorne
Citation: 

Baert, K. et al. (2024) The viscosity-enhancing effect of carob bean gum and sodium carboxymethylcellulose when added to infant formulaFood Science and Nutrition. 2024;00:1–10. 

Description: 

Despite limited supporting evidence, the practice of thickening breast milk or infant formula with commercially available thickening agents is prevalent. This study explored the viscosity-enhancing impact of carob bean gum (CBG) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) when added to infant formula at various concentrations and for different thickening durations. The findings indicate that thickening leads to an exponential increase in milk viscosity, from 25% of the recommended dosage onward. This suggests that minor adjustments in dosage can significantly impact formula thickness, underscoring the importance of accurately dosing and preparing infant milk. The considerable variability in viscosity also emphasizes the need for thoughtful selection of teat size, considering the energy expenditure of the sucking infant. When using 50% of the  recommended CBG dose or 25% of NaCMC, the resulting viscositymatches that of a commercially available casein-basedformula containing CBG for anti-regurgitation. In the case of CBG, a viscosity plateau is only reached after 30 min. Therefore, educating parents on the correct handling and preparation steps for CBG-thickened infant milk is crucial, including a 30-min waiting period to achieve the intended thickening effect.

Year of publication : 
2024
Magazine published in: 
Food Science and Nutrition