Supporting healthy growth in children
Children and adolescents need a balanced nutrition to support a healthy growth and development. This includes adequate intake of key nutrients such as protein, essential lipids, vitamins and minerals to support, physical growth and strong bones, cognitive functioning and immune system support.
At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer a range of high-quality, milk-derived ingredients designed to meet the nutritional needs of children and adolescents – helping manufacturers develop nutritious products that support healthy development throughout childhood.
Developing strong bones
Childhood and adolescence represent a critical window for building strong bones, with nutrition playing a central role. A strong peak bone mass developed during these years can help protect against fractures and osteoporotic disease in later life1, 2.
The development of strong bones requires sufficient intake of proteins and minerals3-5. Clinical evidence shows that daily intake of milk minerals for 12 months in pre-pubertal girls3, had positive impact on bone mineral density that could still be measured more than three years later8. Based on findings such as these, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has authorised health claims for protein, calcium and phosphorus related to the normal growth and development of bones in children6, 7.
As a source of high-quality milk protein, calcium and phosphorus, milk-derived micellar casein isolate (MCI) is the latest opportunity to supply key nutrients for normal bone growth and development in children.
Supporting Brain Development and Cognitive Function
Brain development during childhood and adolescence is critical for learning and cognitive performance, with nutrition being one of the factors influencing these processes.
Phospholipids and sphingomyelin, naturally present in milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), are essential components of cell membranes and play a key role in brain structure and function. They also support communication within the brain and may support social and cognitive development10.
Nutrilac® MFGM is a natural source of milk-derived phospholipids and sphingomyelin, which are important for healthy brain development and cognitive function. Clinical studies with MFGM supplementation have shown improved cognitive outcomes in infants11-13.
Supporting immune health
Nutrition plays a key role in supporting the normal function of the immune system in children. A balanced intake of macronutrients and micronutrients, together with components that support a healthy gut microbiota, contributes to immune development and resilience against infections.
Nutrilac® MFGM contains a unique protein and lipid profile, clinically shown to support immune function (reduced respiratory and gut infections) in infants and children14-16. A study in preschool children, found that supplementation with MFGM reduced the number of days with fever17.
Ingredients for kids’ nutrition
At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer a broad range of high-quality whey and milk proteins:
- Rich in essential amino acids with high digestibility9.
- Support the normal growth and development of bones7.
Milk mineral concentrate
- Rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
- Supports normal growth and development of bones6.
- Clinically documented to give a long-lasting increase in the bone mass of pre-pubertal girls3, 8.
Micellar casein isolate
- Rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus for the normal growth and development of bones6, 7.
Phospholipids (MFGM)
- Rich in phospholipids, sphingolipids and gangliosides
- Clinically documented to support aspects of cognition, gut health and immune function in early life11-16
1. Weaver, C.M., et al., The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations. Osteoporosis International, 2016. 27(4): p. 1281-1386.
2. Laine, C.M. and T. Laine, Diagnosis of Osteoporosis in Children and Adolescents. European Endocrinology, 2010. 9(2): p. 141.
3. Bonjour, J.P.C., A., et al., Calcium-enriched Foods and Bone Mass Growth in Prepubertal Girls: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial. J. Clin. Invest., 1997(99): p. 1287–1294.
4. Rizzoli, R., et al., Benefits and safety of dietary protein for bone health—an expert consensus paper endorsed by the European Society for Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteopororosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases and by the International Osteoporosis Fou. Osteoporosis International, 2018. 29(9): p. 1933-1948.
5. Rizzoli, R., Dairy products and bone health. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 2022. 34(1): p. 9-24.
6. Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012 of 16/05/2012. Official Journal of the European Union.
7. Commission Regulation (EC) No 983/2009 of 21 October 2009. Official Journal of the European Union.
8. Bonjour, J.P., et al., Gain in bone mineral mass in prepubertal girls 3.5 years after discontinuation of calcium supplementation: a follow-up study. Lancet, 2001(358): p. 1208–12.
9. Herreman, L., et al., Comprehensive overview of the quality of plant‐ And animal‐sourced proteins based on the digestible indispensable amino acid score. Food Science & Nutrition, 2020. 8(10): p. 5379-5391.
10. Kanellopoulos, A. K., et al. Dynamic interplay between social brain development and nutrient intake in young children. Nutrients. 2023.15(17), 3754.
11. Timby N, et al. Neurodevelopment, nutrition, and growth until 12 mo of age in infants fed a low-energy, low-protein formula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr;99(4):860-8.
12. Li F, et al. Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Pediatr. 2019 Dec;215:24-31.e8.
13. Ren Q, et al. A combination of phospholipids and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supports neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Front Nutr. 2024 Jun 13;11:1358651.
14. Timby N, et al. Infections in infants fed formula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015 Mar;60(3):384-9.
15. Li X, et al. Feeding Infants Formula With Probiotics or Milk Fat Globule Membrane: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Pediatr. 2019 Aug 21;7:347
16. Zavaleta N, et al. Efficacy of an MFGM-enriched complementary food in diarrhea, anemia, and micronutrient status in infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2011 Nov;53(5):561-8.
17. Veereman-Wauters G, et al. Milk fat globule membrane (INPULSE) enriched formula milk decreases febrile episodes and may improve behavioral regulation in young children.
