Valio launch: Milk protein-based powder targets senior nutrition and cognition

28 Aug 2019 --- By 2060 the percentage of people over sixty will outnumber that of teenagers. This creates challenges, especially within health care and social services, but also opportunities for innovation in the food industry. This is according to Dr. Minja Miettinen, Senior Research Manager, Research and Innovations at Valio, who spoke to NutritionInsight. The Finnish dairy manufacturer has developed a lactose-free milk protein powder that caters to the nutritional demands of the growing aging population, coined Valio Eila Nutri F+. The ingredient allows food manufacturers to develop formulations that utilize the benefits of phospholipids on cognitive health and create functional food products for healthy aging, Valio notes.

“Valio Eila Nutri F+ lactose-free formulated milk protein powder fulfills the key needs of older adults. In addition to containing essential nutrients, it also gives a full taste and texture, helping Valio’s customers to formulate their products. It works in several applications, such as milk powders, special nutrition drinks, dairy drinks, nutritious food and dietary products,” says Dr. Minja Miettinen, Senior Research Manager, Research and Innovations at Valio.

She also highlights that familiarity in food is important for older adults and nutritional staples form the firm basis of eating. Recognizable and natural ingredients are preferred and milk fits this profile.

Milk protein for cognition
Several studies on senior nutrition have flagged cognition-related conditions that may be prevented or ameliorated via healthier nutritional strategies. 

 By 2060 the percentage of people over sixty will outnumber that of teenagers. This creates opportunities for innovation in the food industry.“One of the top health concerns when aging is memory loss. Therefore, maintaining cognitive health remains a priority. Good nutrition contributes to the prevention of cognitive decline. Milk fat and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contain phospholipids and phosphatidylserine that have been shown to help maintain cognitive functions in the elderly. Milk fat offers great potential as a naturally functional ingredient for cognitive health,” Miettinen says.

Dairy fat contains phospholipids that are associated with a positive effect on brain function in those with mild memory impairment. Phospholipids are the building blocks of brain cell membranes and therefore very important for brain function in all stages of the human lifespan, from babies and toddlers to active adults and seniors, she adds.

Miettinen also notes that the importance of maintaining cognitive health increases with aging. There is evidence showing that dairy is associated with positive effects on brain function. Dairy contains B12 vitamin that contributes to maintaining cognitive functions, she says. 

“Dairy fat contains phospholipids including phosphatidylserine that are the building blocks of brain cell membranes. Interestingly, research indicates phosphatidylserine helps restore and maintain cognitive functions in the elderly,” 

With the right innovations supporting healthy aging with nutrition, the food industry can make their products desirable for aging adults.Meanwhile, a study from John Hopkins found that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet – similar to a keto or Atkins diet – may improve brain function and memory in older adults. 

Industry potential
As good nutrition has a scientifically proven link to healthy aging, the expanding elderly population and their wellbeing provides great potential for the food industry, Valio highlights. With the right innovations supporting healthy aging with nutrition, the food industry can make their products desirable for aging adults.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), healthy aging is “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” Healthy aging and an active, quality senior life is fast becoming a trend among consumers. From tackling protein deficiencies and swallowing difficulties to boosting immunity and joint health, the senior demographic and aging population are looking for ingredients that will support and preserve health.

“Out of all industries, I believe that the food and nutrition industries have perhaps the most significant means to ensure healthy aging. As consumers, older adults could be described as foodies with an emphasis on healthiness. We make about 200 food-related choices every day, so there are lots of opportunities to nudge older adults towards better food choices,” says Miettinen.

Asia as a market for healthy aging
In Asia, preventive measures and education present a US$205 billion opportunity for the nutraceuticals industry, according to Temasek – an investment company headquartered in Singapore. The region is increasingly interested in healthy aging, as its large population is growing older.

“Asian consumers appreciate high quality, traceability and safety in food products. They want to know where the product is coming from. This is something we can help food manufacturers with, because the production chain of our milk ingredients is completely transparent. The origin of the raw material can be traced all the way back to an individual dairy farm”, says Timo Pajari, SVP, Food Solutions Sales at Valio.

Valio Eila Nutri F+ lactose-free formulated milk protein powder was introduced earlier this year at Vitafoods Europe. The company will also showcase its tailormade food ingredient solutions at Food Ingredients Asia in Bangkok, September 11-13.

By Kristiana Lalou