Effect of Hybrid Animal-Plant Milk Blends on Metabolomic Profiles, Antioxidant Capacities, and Protein Digestibility for Potential Infant Nutrition Applications

Abstract

This study investigates the digestibility, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content (TPC) and the release of different metabolites from blended animal (camel and goat) and plant (oat, quinoa, almond) milks upon simulated infant static in vitro digestion. The study indicated that blending produced intermediate protein digestibility alongside enhanced release of bioactive compounds, heightened antioxidant potential, and richer metabolite diversity. Notably, camel-quinoa and goat-quinoa blends stood out for their elevated phenolic levels, robust antioxidant activity, and well-rounded post-digestion metabolite composition, whereas camel-almond exhibited a uniquely balanced amino acid and sugar profile. Metabolomic analysis further revealed that blended milk samples demonstrated higher capacities to activate pathways associated with amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting their potential to address nutritional gaps in single-source formulations by creating nutritionally optimized infant formulas. While initial findings are encouraging, further research is crucial to meticulously refine these milk blends as base ingredients, ensuring optimal infant health.