Evaluation of the nutrients in milk supplements suitable for children using LIBS and PAS technique

Abstract

The presence of macro and micro nutrients essential for human health in four milk supplements is quickly identified using Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS). In addition to the minerals reported by the manufacturers, some additional spectral signatures of the elements like Na and K are also observed in the LIBS spectra which are not listed by some manufacturers. The ratio of various minerals like Ca/Mg, Na/Mg, etc. has been evaluated, and found a good correlation with the nutritional value listed on the product packaging. The organic elements C, H, N, and O together with the CN molecular band observed in the LIBS spectra of milk supplement indicate the presence of organic molecules. PAS is used for the identification of organic compounds such as Vitamins, Proteins, Fat, Taurine, and Sucrose in milk supplements. The results of the present study help in selecting milk supplements suitable for children suffering from chronic kidney diseases and diabetes. Based on the presence of minerals and their relative concentration, milk supplements are classified into three groups by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Therefore, the results from the present work extend the application of LIBS and PAS together with PCA for the identification of the nutrients in milk supplements.

Keywords

• Milk supplement
• LIBS
• Nutrients
• PAS
• PCA