Safeguarding memory: Kirin sheds light on milk peptide’s impact on cerebral blood flow

02 Jul 2021 --- A study from the Kirin Central Research Institute has demonstrated that milk-derived beta-lactopeptides improve cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the prefrontal cortex, which normally declines with age. 

“Beta-lactolin is an ingredient found in Camembert cheese. The milk-derived substance was discovered as a result of collaboration between Kyowa Kirin and Koiwai Dairy Products Company in Kirin Holdings’ brain science research,” Chisato Kubo, assistant manager of corporate communication at Kirin Holdings, tells NutritionInsight.

For over a decade, Kyowa Hakko Bio, Kirin Beverage Company, Koiwai Dairy Products Company and Snow Brand have offered functional food ingredient beta-lactolin to Japanese consumers. Earlier this year, it was rolled out in beverages, yogurt and supplements. It is widely associated with maintaining memory and improving other cognitive functions. 

Pinpointing the peptide
The clinical trial specifically examined the GTWY peptide, which is a type of beta-lactopeptide. Previous studies had found that GTWY improved memory and attention, but the exact mechanism had been unclear.

Click to EnlargeThe two-channel wearable, portable brain activity measurement device. To shed light on this area, Kirin focused on CBF, which relates to carrying oxygen, nutrients and other energy sources to the brain. Age-related decline in cognitive function is thought to be caused by a decrease in CBF. 

In a trial with 50 middle-aged and elderly participants, the GTWY peptide intake group showed a significant increase in the magnitude of change in CBF in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared with the placebo group. These results detailed part of the mechanism by which GTWY peptide enhances memory and concentration.

A separate trial included 114 middle-aged and elderly participants who carried out cognitive tasks while wearing a two-channel, wearable, portable brain activity measurement device. 

CBF was significantly increased in the GTWY peptide intake group compared with the placebo group. In this trial, the company succeeded for the first time in detecting an improvement in CBF using a wearable device. The device also allowed the CBF-improving effect to be visualized. 

Tackling aging
Based on these demonstrated effects, Kirin plans to further advance initiatives to support brain health through collaboration with universities and municipalities. 

The company notes that one in five elderly people will suffer from dementia in 2025, which means healthy life extension is a social issue. 

Since dementia is thought to be caused by changes in the brain with aging, attention is being focused on early prevention through actions taken in daily life, such as by improving dietary habits. 

In recent years, epidemiological research on the Japanese population has found that the consumption of milk and dairy products reduces the risk of dementia and impaired cognitive function, according to Kirin. 

Maintaining cognitive health throughout the aging process is also a key priority for other global companies. Adaptogenic ingredients, nootropics and probiotics are all proving popular in this space. 

In May, Memore also launched whole food powders to improve cognitive performance.

By Katherine Durrell

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