Phospholipids in health foods
Milk contains a wide range of complex lipids and phospholipids that play an important role in brain development and cognitive function. These nutrients are essential during infancy but also support optimal brain health throughout life—from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and senior years.
The phospholipid profile of bovine milk is similar to that of human milk and the human brain1,2, making it a natural source of key components such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin.
Supporting Brain Development
Brain development during childhood and adolescence is critical for learning and cognitive performance. Phospholipids and sphingomyelin are 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 development3.
Nutrilac® MFGM is a natural source of milk-derived phospholipids and sphingomyelin, which are important for healthy brain development and cognitive function.
Read more about the health benefits associated with phospholipids here:
- Cognitive development and performance
- Complementary feeding and toddler nutrition
- Nutrition for kids
Arla Foods Ingredients offers a unique ingredient that provides a natural source of complex milk lipids and phospholipids suitable for formulating a range of health foods targeting brain health and cognitive benefits in infant’s children, adults and seniors.
Product range with phospholipids
- Nutrilac® MFGM: a low-lactose whey protein concentrate containing milk lipids.
References:
1. Garcia et al. 2012. Food Chemistry 135(3), 1777-1783
2. Svennerholm 1968. Journal of lipid research 9(5), 570-579
3. Kanellopoulos et al. 2023. Nutrients, 15(17):3754
