Applying nir spectroscopy to evaluate quality of whey protein supplements available on the Polish market

Abstract

The objective of the research study was to apply near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to evaluate the quality of protein supplements available in the Polish shops and gyms. The evaluation was performed on the basis of the determination of the protein quantity contained in the individual samples by a Kjeldahl method and then the evaluation results were correlated with the measured NIR spectra using an appropriate chemometric method. The research material consisted of fifteen protein supplement samples for athletes, which included the following types: WPI (protein isolate), WPC (protein concentrate), WPH (protein hydrolysate), and mixtures thereof. The obtained NIR spectra of protein supplements were characterized by a similar shape of the bands. Depending on the type of protein, a different intensity of absorption of individual bands could be observed. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish the samples based on the spectra measured. Unfortunately, owing to the varying composition of the protein mixtures, it was not possible to find characteristic arrangement of the samples depending on their types. The spectra were correlated with the protein contents determined in the samples using a Partial Least Squares regression method (PLS regression) and various mathematic transformations of the NIR spectral data. The obtained regression models were analysed and the analysis results confirmed that it was possible to apply NIR spectra to estimate the content of proteins in protein supplements. The best result was obtained in a spectrum region between 9401 and 5448 cm-1 and after the first derivative was applied with Multiplicate Scatter Correction (MSC) as a mathematical pre-treatment. On the basis of the results obtained, it was proved that the NIR spectra applied together with the chemometric analysis could be used to quickly evaluate the products studied.