Osteopontin

Osteopontin

Osteopontin

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.

Arla Foods Ingredients supports the WHO recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life and continued breastfeeding up to the age of two or beyond in combination with nutritionally appropriate complementary foods.

Arla Foods Ingredients supports the WHO recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life and continued breastfeeding up to the age of two or beyond in combination with nutritionally appropriate complementary foods.

Highlighted Arla Foods Ingredients’ collaboration studies

Click to get in touch