From breast milk to formula: MFGM registers high awareness levels among mothers

Research shows that there is good awareness of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), an important nutritional component of breast milk, among mothers and mothers-to-be.[1]

MFGM is found naturally in breast milk and is comprised of phospholipids, glycolipids, proteins and glycoproteins. Recently, MFGM ingredients made from whey have been introduced into the infant nutrition category. This means that, where breast feeding is not possible, infants are still able to benefit from the key components of MFGM in their diet, helping to close the gap further between breast milk and formula.

Although MFGM ingredients for formula are still relatively new, a survey of 5,500 pregnant women and mothers across seven countries, commissioned by Arla Foods Ingredients, found that as many as 20% were already aware of it.¹ Awareness was highest in China, with 28% of respondents having heard of MFGM. Furthermore, 43% of Chinese mothers who were aware of MFGM say they would prefer to buy an infant formula that contains it.

Arla Foods Ingredients has developed Lacprodan® MFGM-10, the first MFGM ingredient launched for the global infant formula market. Rich in bioactive components and offering high phospholipid content, it is supported by the longest history of use and is backed by the most comprehensive and compelling clinical documentation available. Several double-blind, randomised clinical trials have shown it to be both well-tolerated and safe.[2]^,[3]^,[4]^{, [5]}

Lacprodan® MFGM-10 is produced through gentle processing methods that preserve its nutritional content, avoiding excessive heat treatments and using only mild membrane filtration.

Manel Romeu Bellés, Industry Marketing Manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Breast feeding delivers optimal infant nutrition, but where this isn’t possible the aim is to produce a formula that comes as close as possible to mother’s milk. Lacprodan® MFGM-10 helps formula manufacturers towards this goal with a nutritious ingredient that is clinically documented for efficacy and which registers high levels of awareness among mothers and mothers-to-be.”

He added: “With MFGM still relatively new in the market, Lacprodan® MFGM-10 offers an excellent opportunity for formula companies to achieve differentiation and an early mover advantage.”

[1] Mothers’ preferences for infant/baby formulas, and knowledge of/attitudes towards ingredients, YouGov & Arla Foods Ingredients, 2018. Respondents surveyed in China, France, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea, UK and USA

[2] Timby et al. 2014. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 99: 860-868.

[3] Li et al. 2018, poster 043, Nutrition & Growth, Paris.

[4] Zavaleta et al. 2011. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 53: 561-568.

[5] Billeaud et al. 2014. Clin. Med. Insights Pediatr. 8: 51-60.