--- title: "Phospholipids in MFGM: supporting brain health and wellbeing across life stages" date: 2023-12-04 author: "Jaakko Linnalaakso" featured_image: "https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/10/a7862ca7807bb2620b04a2ec54076d75.jpeg" --- # Phospholipids in MFGM: supporting brain health and wellbeing across life stages ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/10/a7862ca7807bb2620b04a2ec54076d75.jpeg)# Phospholipids in MFGM: supporting brain health and wellbeing across life stages [Phospholipids](#phospholipids) [Lifestages](#lifestages) [Insight](#insight) [Contact](#contact) Phospholipids ## Phospholipids: a growing opportunity in brain and immune health *Phospholipids* are complex lipids found in the *milk fat globule membrane* (MFGM), a unique component of cow’s milk fat not present in vegetable oils. These natural dairy-derived ingredients are vital for brain development and cognitive function, and they also support immune health, intestinal maturation, and stress resilience. 20–25% ### **of the brain’s dry weight consists of phospholipids** ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/12/Milk-Fat-Globule_MFGM_phospholipids-1920x1780-1-800x742.png) ### A science-based path to nutrition innovation As awareness of MFGM grows, so does demand for functional foods that support wellbeing across life stages, from infants to active adults and healthy agers. Backed by increasing clinical evidence, phospholipids offer manufacturers a science-based path to innovate in one of the most dynamic segments of the wellness market. Valio provides dairy solutions containing naturally sourced phospholipids from fresh Finnish milk. With decades of dairy expertise and a strong research base, we enable you to develop products that tap into the growing demand for cognitive and wellbeing benefits without compromising on quality or clean label standards. ![Family sitting on a terace.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2024/01/family_dog_terrace1-scaled.jpg) ## Phospholipids across lifestages Phospholipids are vital throughout the human lifespan. From early development to healthy aging, they play a central role in brain function, stress response, and overall wellbeing. ### Phospholipids in infant nutrition In late pregnancy and the first years of life, the brain develops rapidly and requires optimal nutrition. Phospholipids from MFGM bring infant formula closer to the composition of breast milk and support the development of the nervous system. Studies indicate benefits for cognitive development, immune function, and gut health, offering manufacturers a natural way to strengthen their infant nutrition products. [Infant nutrition](http://www.valio.com/lifestages/infant-nutrition/) ### Phospholipids in early life nutrition During pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood, the brain and nervous system undergo rapid development, creating a high demand for essential nutrients. Phospholipids play a key role in supporting brain structure, cognitive performance, and cell membrane function. Research suggests that adequate phospholipid intake can benefit not only infants but also expecting and lactating mothers and growing children, offering manufacturers a science-based way to enhance early life nutrition products with natural, bioactive dairy components. [maternal nutrition](http://www.valio.com/lifestages/maternal-nutrition/) [ kids nutrition](http://www.valio.com/lifestages/kids-nutrition/) ### Phospholipids in aging nutrition As populations age, maintaining memory, learning ability, and physical performance becomes increasingly important. Clinical studies show that phospholipid and MFGM supplementation can benefit older adults by supporting memory, concentration, sociability, and muscle strength. They have also been linked to better stress management and immune health, making them valuable for senior-targeted nutritional products. [Aging nutrition](http://www.valio.com/lifestages/senior-nutrition/) [New NutriSen study shows positive effects of adding MFGM and milk protein to the diet of seniors](https://www.valio.com/articles/nutrisen-study-shows-benefits/) [Science-based nutrition with Valio: Supporting healthy aging through innovation](https://www.valio.com/articles/supporting-healthy-aging-through-innovation/) [Five things to consider when developing nutritional products for aging adults](https://www.valio.com/articles/healthy-aging-five-important-things/) [How phospholipids promote infant development](https://www.valio.com/events-and-publications/how-phospholipids-promote-infant-development/) [Phospholipids in milk show promise in enhancing child development](https://www.valio.com/articles/phospholipids-in-milk-show-promise-in-enhancing-child-development/) ![Milk powder and lab equipment.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2024/10/Labra_maitojauhe_E-min.jpg) ## Why is MFGM so important for early childhood development? Valio’s Anu Turpeinen shares the latest research showing how MFGM in milk fat enhances brain health – and the new product opportunities this is creating. [Watch the episode](https://www.valio.com/events-and-publications/why-is-mfgm-so-important-for-early-childhood-development/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/10/Expert-Insights_MFGM-early-childhood-development_v2_1200x1200.jpg) ![Phospolipids whitepaper.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/05/phospholipids_whitepaper.jpg)## Dive deeper into phospholipids and MFGM Discover the science, market opportunities, and product concepts that phospholipids and MFGM make possible. Our white paper provides evidence-based insights into their benefits for infant development and healthy aging, plus guidance on how to bring these innovations to market. [Download white paper](https://www.valio.com/articles/phospholipids-whitepaper/) ## Latest insights in phospholipids and more Stay up to date with the newest research findings, clinical study highlights, and application ideas from Valio’s experts. [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn.valio.fi/mediafiles/439B3E44-C1ED-4AE4-8C6B-E307F75EA94F/800x500-large-banner-with-image) Article ##### Valio’s fat similarity index illustrates the benefits of mil… ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/09/BrandPhoto_Valio_PREMIUM_1920_Anu_Turpeinen-121x128.jpg) Anu Turpeinen, PhD 19. January 2022 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/fat-similarity-index-illustrates-the-benefits-of-milk-fat-in-infant-milk-formula/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn.valio.fi/mediafiles/651803B9-0F67-4674-A048-B41F2EF6FAFC/800x500-large-banner-with-image) Article ##### Choose the best partner for infant nutrition – Heritage and … 3. April 2023 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/best-partner-for-infant-nutrition/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn.valio.fi/mediafiles/1EAF118E-E5C9-4570-8ACD-25236E4C5FB5/800x500-large-banner-with-image) Article ##### What makes cow milk fat the optimal fat in formula ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/09/Baoru-Yang-128x128.jpg) Dr. Baoru Yang 21. June 2021 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/what-makes-cow-milk-fat-the-optimal-source-of-fat-in-infant-formulas/) [![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2023/12/nutrisenstudy-400x300.jpg) Article ##### NutriSen study shows the benefits of MFGM and protein for se… 15. August 2023 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/nutrisen-study-shows-benefits/) [![Milk powder and lab equipment.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2024/10/Labra_maitojauhe_E_EDIT-min-400x225.jpg) Article ##### Supporting healthy aging through innovation 6. November 2024 ](https://www.valio.com/articles/supporting-healthy-aging-through-innovation/) [ ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/10/Expert-Insights_phospholipids-promote-infant-development_1200x1200-400x400.jpg) Webinar ##### How phospholipids promote infant development ](https://www.valio.com/events-and-webinars/how-phospholipids-promote-infant-development/) ## Let’s unlock the potential of phospholipids together Contact Valio Food Solutions to discuss how our phospholipid ingredients and expertise can help you develop products that support brain health and wellbeing at every stage of life. ![Sari Vahla](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2024/04/hlo_sari_vahla-300x400.jpg) #### Sari Vahla Head of sales Customised Nutrition First Name Last Name Email Company CountrySelectAfghanistanAland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmer.Virgin Is.AndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua/BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, SabaBosnia-Herz.BotswanaBouvet IslandsBrazilBrit.Ind.Oc.TerBrit.Virgin Is.Brunei Daruss.BulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCARCayman IslandsChadChileChinaChristmas IslndCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCook IslandsCosta RicaCote d’IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicDem. 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