Exclusive: FCI to launch Vivinal MFGM containing bioactives for infant formula

29 Jun 2020 --- In an extremely crowded baby formula market, FrieslandCampina Ingredients (FCI) is setting itself apart with the launch of a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) ingredient targeting consumer needs around immunity and brain development. The company’s Early Life Nutrition (ELN) arm has developed Vivinal MFGM, an infant food-grade whey protein concentrate, which contains proteins, lipids and bioactives like phospholipids, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and lactoferrin.

Ahead of its September launch, NutritionInsight speaks with Renske Hopman, Marketing Manager, Early Life Nutrition at FCI, who explains what sets Vivinal MFGM apart from similar products already in the market.

“The ingredient is produced via state-of-the-art membrane technology. Compositionally, it is similar to what is already available in the market, but what sets us apart is that we ensure that it can be included in the dry-blend part of making an infant formula, therefore boosting applications,” Hopman says. Ensuring safety while preserving bioactives is another key focus of the new ingredient.

Vivinal MFGM is part of the company’s Vivinal portfolio for all bioactive ingredients that support early life nutrition. “Due to how we process this ingredient, the heat load is minimized and the ingredient maintains its high quality. Reducing the heat load is also related to the preservation of immunoglobulins, which are inherent to the ingredient. Having them still be bioactive could potentially make it more beneficial from an immunity angle,” she explains.

Vivinal MFGM is part of the company’s Vivinal portfolio for all bioactive ingredients that support early life nutrition. MFGM is found in breast milk and contains both lipids and proteins. Hopman explains that the most important components are phospholipids and the immunoglobulins. 

“Clinical data shows these components improved scores in brain development and immunity, so Vivinal MFGM has potential to fully support infant health,” she adds. 

Parents are especially looking for solutions in respiratory illnesses and other immunity concerns like the common cold, flags Hopman. “In China, for example, we see a switch in the keywords being searched from parents, which are now ‘runny nose’ and ‘coughing.’ Therefore, keeping the respiratory system healthy is getting pronounced attention.” 

Targeting key markets
Other dairy players are also active in the MFGM space. Arla Foods Ingredients launched the Smart Mama drink, which contains MFGM as well as folic acid and is a low-fat source of protein and calcium. In the same space, Fonterra’s NZMP arm offers MFGM Lipid 100 and MFGM Lipid 70. 

Globally, MFGM is getting more and more attention, especially in Asia and the US where FCI sees a high number of introductions with this ingredient.“The target group who is using this ingredient is infants as we believe that every child has the right to grow up healthy. The product’s application is mainly infant milk formula in powder formats, Hopman says. There is also potential for ready-to-drink (RTD) infant milk applications as they are convenient for parents in use, which are really appreciated.

“We need to remember that Vivinal MFGM is not a mainstream ingredient – it is a high-value ingredient. Using it means you premiumize the product application and differentiate it from a marketing point of view.

Globally, MFGM is getting more and more attention, especially in Asia and the US where FCI sees a high number of introductions with this ingredient. “There are already similar ingredients on the market but there is more demand than there is supply, so these markets are a good opportunity for FCI.

Alternatives in infant formula
As the eco-conscious sentiment grows among consumers, many players are coming up with vegan and cell-culture alternatives to infant formula. TurtleTree Labs is set to create lab-produced breast milk and others have come forward, as well. US-based start-up Biomilq announced that it is one step closer to offering mammary cell-cultured human breast milk to families thanks to US$3.5 million in funding. 

For Hopman, innovation is important as she says it is always good to look at different ways of doing things. This is as long as everything is based on science and aligned with the market, all to support infants growing up healthy, she says. 

“We support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline that breastfeeding is the best and most natural way to ensure the normal health and development of infants during at least the first six months of life. FCI Early Life Nutrition is dedicated to offering the highest quality infant nutrition that is guaranteed to be safe and to fulfill the nutritional needs of infants when human milk is not available,” Hopman concludes.

By Kristiana Lalou