Influence of a mineral water on the rheological characteristics of reconstituted infant formulas and diluted cows' milk

A bottled spring water with a low mineral content was compared with tap water in the reconstitution and/or dilution of five different infant formulas and cows' milk. The osmolality, buffering power and renal solute load potential of the formulas reconstituted with the bottled water were all significantly lower than when tap water was used (P < 0.01). When the bottled water was used to dilute cows' milk, the morphology of milk casein precipitates (after addition of rennet) was finer and more dispersed than when tap water was used. For formula reconstitution and milk dilution, a benefit, in terms of solute/electrolyte balance, appears to be conferred on infants by the improved theological characteristics of modified milks reconstituted or diluted with this bottled mineral water.