This research focuses on the essential need for complementary foods tailored to different age groups to support healthy growth and development during early childhood. After six months, breast milk alone no longer satisfies infants’ increased requirements for protein and essential fatty acids. Therefore, we explored the potential of hydrolyzed sturgeon caviar, known for its rich nutritional content—including high-quality proteins, bioactive peptides, and key micronutrients like DHA, EPA, vitamins, and minerals. To prepare the supplement, fresh caviar was first freeze-dried and powdered. Using a supercritical extraction method, approximately 80% of the oil was removed from the powder. The remaining protein fraction was then enzymatically hydrolyzed, ultrafiltered, and freeze-dried again to obtain a protein powder suitable for use in children’s diets. This powder was packaged into convenient 25-gram sachets. Three formulations were created to meet the nutritional needs of different pediatric groups: infants aged 6 months to 1 year, toddlers from 1 to 3 years, and children older than 3 years. Each formulation was tested over a three-month period in groups of 25 children, alongside a control group of 18 children receiving no caviar-enriched supplements. Results showed that children consuming the caviar-enriched foods experienced significantly greater improvements in weight gain, bone development, attention span, and cognitive testing compared to those in the control group. Notably, combining the caviar protein with beef protein produced the most pronounced benefits. Furthermore, administering these supplements via gavage in hospital settings led to measurable positive impacts on patients’ health. In summary, this study demonstrates the promising role of marine-derived hydrolyzed sturgeon caviar protein as a functional ingredient to improve complementary feeding strategies and ultimately enhance child health outcomes.
 

Complementary feeding, Hydrolyzed sturgeon caviar protein, Bioactive peptides, DHA and EPA, Protein hydrolysis, Nutrient supplementation