Valio spotlights phospholipids to maintain cognitive health with age

06 Dec 2021 --- A naturally occurring component of milk fat – phospholipids – are positioned to revitalize healthy aging food and beverages, according to Finnish dairy supplier Valio. The ingredient is featured in the company’s Eila Nutri F+ lactose-free milk protein powder, designed to support consumers in mid to later life.

Additionally, the nutritional premix is marketed to provide digestive comfort by being lactose-free and to support bone and muscle health through the presence of calcium, vitamin D and a high-protein content.

Brain-supporting dairy 
While older consumers require many important nutrients to maintain health, Valio notes phospholipids have gained increased attention in recent years. 

“Phospholipids have shown potential to prevent cognitive decline,” says Michael Healy, sales manager at Valio Food Solutions.

“They have been found in clinical research to support the development of cognitive function in early adults and to help maintain cognitive development over time.”

Michael Healy, sales manager at Valio Food Solutions.More research is underway to understand more about the ingredient’s role in healthy aging. Healy says that Valio expects to publish new research on phospholipids next year as the scientific knowledge base expands. 

“Phospholipids are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, so it’s an interesting ingredient that can add a lot of benefits to the finished product.”

A market case study 
This year, South Korean manufacturer Maeil Dairies launched a powdered milk product containing 40% of Valio Eila Nutri F+ lactose-free formulated milk protein powder. 

The product is aimed at South Korea’s aging population, where seven in ten consumers are deficient in calcium, according to Maeil Dairies. 

The finished product, dubbed Golden Milk, is a nutritional milk drink that’s added to everyday meals. Healy explains that the product has been “very successful” in the older consumer segment, with a focus on mobility and bone health. 

While regulatory claims will depend on the market, several vitamins and minerals within Europe can be used for on-pack claims, such as vitamin D for the maintenance of bones and teeth. 

Boosting protein 
Eila Nutri F+ contains 50% more protein than standard skim milk powder, addressing older consumers’ increased protein requirements. 

“We know from scientific research that as consumers grow older, they need more protein,” says Healy. 

Phospholipids are also relevant in infant nutrition, where they are positioned to support cognitive development.As appetite decreases with age and less food is eaten, the nutritional quality of food also becomes more important, he adds. 

“There is also a need for protein intake to be more evenly distributed throughout the day. Breakfast is traditionally a meal that’s lacking in protein. So high-protein beverages are useful in terms of maintaining the level of protein in everyday diets.”

Opportunities at many life stages
Valio envisions that phospholipids will be important in more categories other than senior nutrition in the years to come, such as infant nutrition. 

Sari Vahla, Valio Food Solutions’ sales manager and team lead comments: “Consumer needs are almost the same at the beginning of life and at the end. Infant nutrition and healthy aging nutrition are quite close to each other.” 

She adds the infant and adult nutrition segments are key growth areas worldwide and phospholipids can help lay the foundation and maintain cognitive health for adults.

Addressing cognitive decline with dairy 
Also targeting the aging population with milk-derived ingredients, Kirin Holdings unveiled a new beta-lactolin this year. The bioactive peptide impacts cognitive function by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine, according to the company. 

Last November, Fonterra also underscored milk phospholipids’ cognitive impact. The company highlighted its potential for reducing stress and improving mood in consumers of all ages. 

By Missy Green