By David Lenzmeier, CEO of Milk Specialties Global
Sometimes, innovation’s power stares us right in the face, and often when we’re least expecting it.
Walking the aisles of a modern grocery store is like being given access to some of the world’s most amazing innovations. Discoveries and new ideas are on full display, aisle after aisle, shelf after shelf – all ready for consumption. Simultaneously, some products seem to never change, like that familiar gallon of milk in the cooler section.
One prevailing theme is consumers looking for their products to do more for them. They want foods and supplements that deliver benefits beyond filling their stomachs. They want to know their choices help build muscle, fight infection, cure ailments, improve wellbeing, and deliver the most bang for their buck.
Consequently, we are in the midst of what I see as a “Renaissance in Nutrition.”
Imagine that simple container of milk I mentioned earlier. Science and technology have brought exciting new developments that have expanded the scope and scale of what was known to be possible for something that we have been consuming for centuries.
Here are four great ingredients you need to know about that are perfect examples of how this renaissance is pushing ingredients – all derived from milk – to the forefront.
1. A supplement to support immunity across the lifecycle
One of the hottest ingredients on the market is colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk produced by mammals that has become a staple of many supplements. But we’ve discovered an ingredient within colostrum, an unsung hero of nutrition that is a supercharger for health and fitness.
This valuable protein is called lactoferrin, found within colostrum at a rate seven times higher than mature milk, it has immense nutritional potential. Lactoferrin is a critical enabler of iron, which is essential for growth and development, and is especially important for athletes. In fact, lactoferrin has been shown to increase iron absorption by up to 56%.
This bio-active ingredient also provides tremendous immune support, both in terms of shielding harmful pathogens and facilitating immune development. Supplementing food with lactoferrin has been shown to help maintain health, reduce the frequency and duration of common immune system illnesses like colds, defend against environmental stress, and support respiratory function. Lactoferrin also supports gut and digestive health by serving as a prebiotic and promoting the growth and diversity of gut microbiota.
2. A simple, natural ingredient is the secret to a better night’s rest
Many consumers are looking to develop healthier sleep habits, and our foods can help. Alpha-lactalbumin (Alpha) is one of milk’s main, naturally-occurring proteins. In fact, it is the most prominent protein fraction in human milk and second most for cows. It is naturally high in the essential amino acid tryptophan, which promotes serotonin levels in the body, in turn reducing anxiety and promoting healthier sleep patterns.
Alpha helps us sleep and ultimately increases our wellbeing and happiness. Consuming Alpha before bed is also a useful strategy to enhance muscle recovery and growth, as it provides the same unrivaled, essential, and branched-chain amino acids as whey protein.
Alpha is proven to increase cognitive performance. Studies have shown that people who take Alpha have a faster reaction time, reduced fatigue, improved memory, and even demonstrated better moods. In response to an experimental stress, high stress-vulnerable adults consuming Alpha experienced a reduction in depression scores and improved coping ability.
3. The nutritional promise of clear protein
Perhaps more well-known than some of these other ingredients, whey protein is a high-quality protein that has so many health benefits, a “white gold” that builds a more sustainable U.S. food supply chain. Due to extensive scientific research, we luckily now know what this supposed “byproduct” can really do. Many consumers associate whey with body building, but its promise goes well beyond what you’ll need in the gym.
A new type of whey protein ingredient is coming into the spotlight – clear whey protein. This next best seller is all about producing high quality protein that tastes great in accessible formats, from protein water to protein popsicles. The unrivaled composition of high quality whey protein is great for optimizing body composition, supporting strong bones, helping maintain normal blood glucose levels, and even lowering blood pressure. It’s a game-changer for delivering powerful nutrition in a handy and convenient format across a variety of demographics – from busy moms to active seniors, teenage athletes, and non-stop professionals.
4. The ingredient that packs a nutritional mind-body punch
If you haven’t heard of MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), you should. MFGM is another component with an enormous, positive impact on our brains and bodies. It is primarily composed of fat compounds and proteins that surround milk fat from mammals. Products that contain MFGM ingredients have numerous potential health benefits for all stages and ages.
They are essential for brain development and functionality, and evidence shows that MFGMs also can help improve memory, cognitive performance, and stress management. Importantly, recent studies have also shown that MFGM can even improve physical functioning for elderly people. Plus, MFGM comes with the full range of benefits that whey is known for, from optimizing body composition, to lowering blood pressure, managing blood glucose, and so much more.
While these ingredients are complex in their own right, each provides substantial benefits for consumers that are only just beginning to be explored. Despite their complexity, each innovation begins with something as commonplace as the gallon of milk you find in your favorite grocery store, transformed by the power of scientific research and discovery. Not only are these the tip of the iceberg for whey’s potential, but they are also examples of how nutritional advancements are being made throughout our product chain. The important lesson then becomes clear: the greatest discoveries often can be found within familiar worlds. With this industry’s commitment to science and new product development, the Renaissance of Nutrition has truly just begun.
