Bioactive compounds protection method and compositions containing the same

A method for encapsulating or embedding a heat sensitive bioactive ingredient in a mammalian newborn food or feed formulation, comprising:

• (i) mixing insulin, maltodextrin and a liquid to form a liquid blend;
• (ii) drying the liquid blend of step (i) to form a dry blend;
• (iii) coating the dried blend of step (ii) with an encapsulating layer comprising maltodextrin;
• (iv) adding the coated dry blend of step (iii) to a mammalian newborn food or feed formulation, wherein the steps of mixing and drying are conducted at a maximum temperature of 50° C., such that the activity of the heat sensitive bioactive ingredient is substantially maintained.