Phospholipids in milk may play an important part in cognitive health for aging people
Older adults want to stay active and energetic, maintain their brain functions and enjoy the taste of food. In fact, their quality of life could depend on it. New research indicates that the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) naturally occurring in milk fat may play a supportive role in maintaining brain health.
We know that food plays a crucial role in healthy aging. There is a scientifically proven link between nutrition and health. Older adults have diversified nutritional needs depending on whether they are healthy and active, recovering from an illness, or in need of assistance in their daily lives.
One of the main concerns for older people is brain health. People are scared of losing their memory and, as a result, their independence. However, research shows that prioritizing the quality of nutrition might provide a potential solution.
MFGM in dairy fat has been associated with positive effects on cognition
A known fact is that brain goes through aging just like the other parts of the body. Scientific research shows that nutrition plays a major role in maintaining healthy brain function. Research shows that the MFGM in milk fat may have a supportive role in brain health – especially phospholipids 1*.
Dairy fat contains phospholipids that, according to research, are associated with positive effects on brain function in those with mild memory impairment. Phospholipids are the building blocks of cell membranes and therefore very important for brain function in all stages of the human lifespan.
Valio has the ingredients for healthy and tasty products for aging adults
Valio has developed a range of value-added powders to help food manufacturers respond to the growing demand of aging adults. Valio Eila™ NUTRI F+ lactose free formulated milk protein powder fulfils the key needs of older adults. It contains phospholipids from milk fat MFGM, as well as key vitamins and minerals to support normal brain functions. In addition to containing essential nutrients, it also features a full taste and texture, helping Valio’s customers to better formulate their products.
Valio Eila™ NUTRI F+ works in several applications, such as dried milk powders, special nutritional supplement drinks, dairy RTD formats, as well as nutritious food and dietary products.
Make products with natural health and wellness benefits for the elderly When the Valio Eila™ NUTRI F+ lactose free formulated milk protein powder was introduced, the health benefits of phospholipids located on the MFGM raised great interest among food industry professionals. With higher nutritional values offered by solutions like Valio Eila™ NUTRI F+ lactose free formulated milk protein powder, you can create products that contain nutrients to support the normal functions of the human body, as well as cognitive health:
Blood and circulation
- Calcium contributes to normal clotting of blood.
- Vitamin B2 maintains normal red blood cells.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
- Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure
Nervous system
- Potassium, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Iodine contributes to normal cognitive function.
Immune system
- Vitamin B12 aids the normal functioning of the immune system.
Valio is here to help you with product development
The Valio Food Solutions team is ready to help you with product development! We have a Nobel prize winning innovation and we know milk: our R&D team of 100 experts, including our nutrition experts, are ready to help you in very different cases. We can help in product development, with optimizing processes, and of course with any nutritional features that our customers want to improve in their products. We offer our industry-proven and market-tested solutions for a wide range of applications for the aging population, such as in dairy, beverages, confectionery, and ready meals.
Nutrition and health claims presented are based on (EC) 1924/2006 as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
1* Research references:
- Hari S, Ochiai R, Shioya Y, Katsuragi Y. Safety evaluation of the consumption of high dose milk fat globule membrane in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with parallel group design. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem2015;79(7):1172-7.
- Kim H, Suzuki T, Kim M et al. Effects of exercise and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplementation on body composition, physical function, and hematological parameters in community-dwelling frail Japanese women: a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled, follow-up trial. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0116256.
- Minegishi Y, Ota N, Soga S, Shimotoyodome A. Effects of Nutritional Supplementation with Milk Fat Globule Membrane on Physical and Muscle Function in Healthy Adults Aged 60 and Over with Semiweekly Light Exercise: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2016;62(6):409-415. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.62.409.
- Villardita C, Grioli S, Salmeri G. Multicentre clinical trial of brain phosphatidylserine in elderly patients with intellectual deterioration.Clin Trials J 1987, 24:84–93.
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Emma Laivisto
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