The whey protein osteopontin was identified in human milk only a few years after being discovered in the human body. Small quantities have since been identified in bovine milk and are now available from Arla Foods Ingredients in a 95% pure form: Lacprodan® OPN-10 – the first osteopontin product on the market.

Osteopontin is a heavily phosphorylated, acidic glycoprotein with strong calcium-binding properties. Although its exact function is not yet known, the ubiquitous presence of osteopontin in the human body has led many scientists to focus on the protein’s role in a variety of physiological functions.

Infant nutrition

Preliminary tests suggest that osteopontin plays a part in the development of infant immune functions, promoting maturation of the immune system and protecting against pathogenic infections. As infant formulas have a significantly lower content of OPN than human breast milk, formula-fed infants have a limited uptake of OPN compared to breastfed infants.

The addition of Lacprodan® OPN-10 to an infant formula may encourage similar immune modulation in formula-fed infants compared to breastfed infants.

New opportunities

Recent articles indicate osteopontin has positive effects in several new areas, including immunology, bone repair, oral hygiene and inflammatory bowel disease.