Glanbia Increases Lactoferrin Production Capabilities For Its Bioferrin Brand

06 Jan 2015 --- Glanbia has announced its latest significant investment in the expansion of its production capabilities for its Bioferrin brand of bovine lactoferrin. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of purified lactoferrin, Glanbia decided to expand the production of the bioactive protein as a result of significant global customer and market demand growth, with the expansion expected to be completed in 2015.

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein naturally present in cow’s milk and human milk and a natural constituent of other human body fluids such as saliva, bile, tears and plasma. Glanbia’s patented process allows purified production of this multi-functional bioactive.  While its main function is to transport iron ions to aid in biological processes, clinical research has also shown it has other important functions including anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammation, immunity system stimulation, gut health, and bone health.

Some customers may use the opportunity to make a health on their packaging when incorporating Bioferrin. Glanbia told NutritionInsight: “The ability of customers to make specific health/regulatory claims will depend on the type of food product to which it is being added and the regulations for that product pertaining to the region in which the food is marketed; for example, our dietary supplement customers in the US can make structure/functions claims as allowed by the FDA, whereas in the EU, no health claims for lactoferrin have been approved so far by EFSA/EU Commission.”
 
The multi-functional characteristic of lactoferrin has seen its use increase enormously in the last 10 years and now includes mainstream foods and nutraceutical products including infant formula, dietary supplements, dairy, beverages, oral care, skin care and pet food.
 
Glanbia said: “The increase in demand is due to global demand including in Europe.  In Europe, demand has increased since lactoferrin obtained novel food status in 2012, allowing it to be added to new range of food product types including Infant formula.”

Glanbia’s Bioferrin has novel food status since late 2013, under the Substantial Equivalence notification procedure.