Osteopontin - supporting immune maturation
The whey protein osteopontin has been identified in high amounts in human milk, whereas only small quantities are present in bovine milk. As a consequence, infant formulas have a significantly lower content of osteopontin than human breast milk, which may impact areas like immune development.
Osteopontin is a heavily phosphorylated, acidic glycoprotein with strong calcium-binding properties. At Arla Foods Ingredients we can provide you with min. 95% pure form of osteopontin, Lacprodan® OPN-10, which was the first osteopontin product on the market.
The research in osteopotin
Preliminary research suggests that osteopontin plays a part in the development of infant immune functions, promoting maturation of the immune system and protecting against pathogenic infections. The addition of Lacprodan® OPN-10 to an infant formula may encourage similar immune modulation in formula-fed infants compared to breastfed infants. It therefore could be the missing link in infant formulas to deliver immune protection similar to human milk.
Benefits associated with osteopontin
- Shifts PBMC gene expression closer to breastfed profiles
- Natural role in infant immune development
- Delivers immune protection similar to human milk
- Mimics human milk of OPN levels
- Reduces days of fever
At Arla Foods Ingredients, we hold several patents for production and application of osteopontin.
Lacprodan® OPN-10: approved in the EU for use in infant and follow-on formulas
In February 2022, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) granted a positive opinion on our Novel Food application for Bovine Milk Osteopontin ingredient Lacprodan® OPN-10. In its scientific opinion, the Authority concluded that bovine milk osteopontin is safe for use in infant and follow-up formulas.
In March 2023 we have secured the final Novel Food approval for Lacprodan® OPN-10 making our product the first osteopontin product available in the EU.
Leading image: Artistic interpretation of osteopontin.
