Vitamin B1 and b6 retention in milk after continuous-flow microwave and conventional heating at high temperatures

Abstract

The effect of continuous-flow microwave treatment at high temperatures on the retention of vitamins B1 and B6 in raw milk with different fat content was evaluated. Results were compared with those obtained using a conventional system (tubular heat exchanger) with the same heating and cooling phases. Heat treatment of whole (3.4% fat) and skim (0.5% fat) milk at 90°C produced no losses of vitamin B1 or vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine and pyridoxal). However, at 110 and 120°C, while vitamin B1 content of milk remained constant, pyridoxamine increased (4 to 5% and 9 to 11%, respectively) and pyridoxal decreased (5 to 6% and 9 to 12%, respectively). Under the assayed conditions, no differences were observed between the content of these vitamins in conventionally and continuous-flow microwave-treated milk.