Storage behavior of immune-enhancing enteral formulation from natural sources

Nutrition support has become an important therapeutic intervention for improving outcomes in
hospitalized patients. The present study was carried out with the objective of studying
appropriate packaging and storage studies of enteral formulation from natural sources
comprising finger millet (Eleusine coracana), soyprotein isolate, tomato powder, carrot powder,
anne greens (Celosia argentea), groundnut oil and fish oil. Two type of packages*namely,
polypropylene pouches and metallized polyester/polyethylene pouches*were used. The storage
conditions were 278C and 428C at 65% relative humidity. The chemical, microbiological and
sensory qualities of the formulation were assessed at regular intervals. The moisture sorption
studies revealed that the formulation had an initial moisture content of 3.59%, which
equilibrated to 13%. The product was acceptable at 64% relative humidity, after which it
tend to become soggy. Analysis of peroxide value and free fatty acid content of the equilibrated
samples revealed that moisture content of 4�5% was ideal for the storage of the formulation. An
increase in the peroxide value and free fatty acid content was observed during 90-day storage
period but the formulation was organoleptically acceptable. The microbial analysis of the
formulation revealed an initial total bacterial count of 1.5�102 colony-forming units and
increased to 7.9�102 colony-forming units (polypropylene) and 5.0�102 colony-forming units
(metallized polyester/polyethylene). No fungal and coliform was detected at 90 days of storage.
Thus it was concluded that the formulation can be stored for a period of 3 months at 278C and
65% relative humidity. Such formulations can be primarily a supportive strategy to an active
therapeutic intervention.