L-threonine in Infant Formula

L-Threonine is an important nutritional additive ingredient in infant formula foods. The following is the relevant information about its addition in infant formula foods:

I. Necessity of Addition

Nutritional Requirements: Infants and young children are in a stage of rapid growth and development, and they have relatively high demands for proteins and various amino acids. L-Threonine is one of the essential amino acids for the human body. It cannot be synthesized by infants and young children themselves or the synthesis amount is insufficient, so it must be obtained from food. It plays an important role in the growth and development, immune regulation, intestinal health, etc. of infants and young children.

Promoting Growth and Development: L-Threonine participates in the synthesis of proteins in the body and is an important raw material for the formation of tissues such as muscles, bones, and skin. It helps with the growth and repair of various organs and tissues in the bodies of infants and young children.

Enhancing Immunity: It is an important raw material for the synthesis of immune active substances such as immunoglobulins. It can promote the development and improvement of the immune system of infants and young children, enhance the body's resistance, and help infants and young children better resist diseases.

Maintaining Intestinal Health: L-Threonine can regulate the balance of the intestinal microflora, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the reproduction of harmful bacteria, maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, reduce the occurrence of intestinal diseases, and ensure the normal digestive and absorptive functions of the intestines of infants and young children.

II. Addition Standards

International Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has stipulated the minimum and maximum limit standards for essential amino acids such as L-Threonine in infant formula milk powder to ensure that infants and young children can obtain sufficient and safe nutrition.

Chinese Standards: According to relevant standards in China, such as GB 10765—2021 "National Food Safety Standard Infant Formula Foods" and GB 10767—2021 "National Food Safety Standard Follow-up Formula and Formula Foods for Older Infants and Young Children", there are clear regulations on the addition amount of L-Threonine in infant formula foods at different stages. Generally speaking, the content of L-Threonine in infant formula foods should meet the requirement of containing a certain amount of L-Threonine per 100kJ of energy. As infants and young children grow older, the addition amount in follow-up formula and formula foods for older infants and young children will also change according to the changes in their nutritional needs.

III. Precautions for Addition

Balance with Other Nutrients: When adding L-Threonine, it is necessary to consider the balance relationship with other nutrients such as other amino acids, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Various nutrients interact with and influence each other. Only by maintaining a reasonable proportion can it be ensured that infants and young children obtain comprehensive and balanced nutrition. For example, there is a certain proportional relationship between L-Threonine and other essential amino acids such as methionine and lysine. If the proportion is out of balance, it may affect the synthesis and utilization efficiency of proteins.

Product Stability: It is necessary to ensure the stability of L-Threonine during the production, processing, storage, and transportation of infant formula foods. It may degrade or deteriorate under conditions such as high temperature, high humidity, and light exposure, affecting its nutritional value and product quality. Therefore, appropriate process and packaging measures need to be taken during the production process, such as using low-temperature drying, nitrogen filling packaging and other technologies to protect its stability.

Quality Control: Strictly control the quality of L-Threonine to ensure its purity and safety. Select reliable quality raw materials of L-Threonine that meet national standards, and conduct strict inspection and testing on the raw materials to prevent impurities, harmful substances, etc. from mixing into the products. At the same time, strengthen quality monitoring during the production process to ensure that the addition amount of L-Threonine is accurate and the products meet relevant standards and regulatory requirements.