Lactalis Ingredients targets aging population in Pronativ Native Micellar Casein launch

09 Feb 2021 --- Lactalis Ingredients has expanded its Pronativ Native Whey Protein range with the launch of a micellar casein isolate ideal for food and beverage enrichment.

The company is especially targeting the aging population, positioning Pronativ Native Micellar Casein as a way for consumers to take a proactive approach to maintaining mobility.

The product is a milk protein isolate enriched with micellar caseins. Notably, it contains 90 percent micellar caseins, in comparison to the 80 percent found in unaltered milk.

Pronativ Native Micellar Casein is also heat-stable and a good source of micellar calcium, as well as having low viscosity, low spores and a neutral taste. It is suitable for kosher, halal and vegetarian use.

The minimally processed protein is extracted directly from milk using gentle processing with no added ingredients or chemicals. 

This non-denaturing process allows the company to obtain a native protein very close to the conformation of the protein present in the milk.

Slow digestion
In terms of nutrition, Pronativ Native Micellar Casein is also rich in branched-chain amino acids and has slowly assimilated protein. 

Lactalis Ingredients explains that during periods of fasting, protein catabolism increases to maintain a healthy protein balance. 

Through its slow digestion, Pronativ Native Micellar Casein can provide amino acids over a long period, inhibiting muscle breakdown. Therefore, it is suited to be taken at bedtime for recovery after exercise at the end of the day.An Innova Market Insights survey found that mobility was a key concern for healthy aging.

Sick years increase
Lactalis Ingredients highlights that the aging population is driving demand for functional food and beverages. According to Innova Market Insights, three in four US consumers say that healthy aging starts with what they eat and drink.

The number of older people worldwide is set to double by 2050, and as people live longer, their sick years increase. It means that although life expectancy is growing, it is not necessary healthy. 

“That is why healthy aging will be one of the main concerns in the coming years. Therefore, people are looking for food that helps them live healthier for longer and prevent the occurrence of health problems,” states the company. 

From cure to prevention
Additionally, Lactalis Ingredients sees senior nutrition is moving from cure to prevention. 

Aging well products are targeting not only older consumers but also younger consumers who are proactive about healthy aging.

The company emphasizes that muscle and joint health claims are especially salient for the healthy aging market as people prioritize staying active.

A 2017 Innova Consumer Survey found that 61 percent of US consumers are concerned about reduced physical activity to health concerns stemming from aging. 

The growing population of over-60s was also a major topic of discussion at Vitafoods Asia last week, with many exhibitors emphasizing the opportunity for this market. 

Lactalis Ingredients also recently launched a range of protein ingredients formulated with sunflower lecithin. These offerings address clean label demands within sports nutrition. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell