Biochemical analysis of a novel Kefir-Based fortified food supplement

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a kefir-based pasteurized milk-incorporated food supplement enriched with fruits and spices. Kefir is a renowned fermented probiotic with the ability to improve gut microflora. Analysis was done for fruit mixture (Ambon banana (Musa acuminata) 60.24%, kilo white guava (Psidium guajava) 30.12%, passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) 6.02%, curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) 1.81%, powdered cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) 0.60%, powdered turmeric (Curcuma longa) 0.60% and powdered black pepper (Piper nigrum) 0.60%) incorporated with kefir based pasteurised milk. This study aimed to enhance human dietary modulation of gut microflora activity and to evaluate the proximate composition, antioxidant ability, total phenolic content and reducing sugar content in the final product. The proximate analysis was conducted using AOAC methods. Folin Ciocalteu's method was used to determine the total phenol content. Total antioxidant capacity was measured using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay). The proximate composition of the food supplement was water % (15.97), ash % (23.81), protein % (0.67), fat % (3.25), and carbohydrate % (56.30). When compared with other kefir-based fortified milk in literature, there was no substantial difference concerning fat content, protein content and total reducing sugar content except for ash and water contents. Ash content was higher and water content was lower in the final product than the reported values in the literature. When considering the physicochemical properties of the final product; total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity and total reducing sugar content in mg per 100 ml were 43.80 (Gallic Acid Equivalents), 4.00 (Ascorbic Acid Equivalents) and 24.04 respectively. According to the results, the total phenolic content in the final product was higher when compared with the literature. Thereby, it can be concluded this product has a higher total phenolic content than the ordinary pasteurized cow milk as it has been incorporated with Ambon banana, kilo white guava, passion fruit, curry leaves, powdered cinnamon, powdered turmeric, and powdered black pepper.