Japanese Calpis has hired Arla Foods Ingredients to produce a bioactive ingredient capable of blood pressure control
A new range of products with the ability to control blood pressure is making its way onto European markets. The active ingredient is AmealPeptide^TM, a bioactive peptide manufactured by Arla Foods Ingredients for the Japanese functional food company Calpis.
AmealPeptide^TM is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of milk casein and has for some time been produced and marketed by Calpis in Japan. While Arla Foods Ingredients has extensive experience in the production of hydrolysates for infant, sports and clinical nutrition and nutraceuticals, AmealPeptide^TM is the first hydrolysate the company has produced for use in this new segment of functional food products and dietary supplements.
The success of this project is due to strong collaboration and open-minded discussions between Calpis and Arla Foods Ingredients a working relationship that has made Denmark a second home for Calpis, says manager of analytical services at Arla Foods Ingredients, Elin Hanberg.

Biophysiological effects
In recent decades, research into bioactive peptides has been a growing area of interest and, today, high-tech analytical equipment is available to identify and characterise bioactivity. At the same time, the market for targeted nutritional products is in rapid growth.
We have initiated our own research and development project focusing on the well-being and antimicrobial effects of bioactive peptides. In this, we cooperate with several external institutes that have specific analysis and screening capabilities, says Elin Hanberg.

The production of AmealPeptide^TM for Calpis focuses on another known biophysiological effect the ability to reduce high blood pressure and maintain it at a healthy level. Due to the increasing incidence of high blood pressure among the general population, this is a concern for many consumers.

Calpis had already investigated the functionality of casein hydrolysate and conducted comprehensive clinical studies before approaching Arla Foods Ingredients about producing the ingredient at Arla Foods Ingredients’ advanced hydrolysate plant.
Our extensive competence within hydrolysate development and production and access to high-tech analytical equipment means we are well prepared to enter the bioactive peptide market as a project partner or contract manufacturer, says Elin Hanberg.
As Calpis continues its international launch programme for AmealPeptide^TM, Arla Foods Ingredients will place ongoing focus on the health-enhancing benefits of bioactive peptides.