Approaches to static digestion models

Abstract

It is not possible to look in detail at the wide range of static digestion methods that have been used to date. However, this section looks at some of the general approaches that have been used to look at the digestion of various nutrients and bioactives. I have focussed on the two main nutrients that undergo digestion in the upper GI tract, namely protein and lipid. In the case of protein, the research has largely been driven by the need to assess allergenic potential and the parameters used in such an assessment are given along with the justification provided by the authors for their choice. For the lipid digestion, we have drawn heavily upon the work of Julian McClemments and colleagues who have been prolific in generating data in this area. The information provided highlights the fact that a wide range of methods are in use leading to a need for a single method, a role that can be filled by the Infogest method.