Whey is a natural by-product of cheese production. Because casein is not easily absorbed by the body, the casein is separated from the milk, and the remaining part is called whey, where the whey protein is found.
The nutritional value of whey protein is better than casein, soy protein concentrate, egg protein and other proteins.
The main protein components in whey are α-whey protein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, proteinase-peptone, serum albumin and immunoglobulin, all of which have unique biological activities.
Other components present in small quantities, such as lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, can also be isolated from whey and are also high-value food ingredients.
What is α-whey protein?
α–whey protein can provide the best combination of amino acids, improve the bioavailability of protein, adapt to the infant’s kidney load.
α–whey protein is rich in tryptophan, a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin, and is secreted alternately by pineal cells:
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite and behavior, secreted during the day. The secretion of melatonin at night is an endogenous sleep inducer and an important regulator of the internal biological clock, which helps babies sleep and promotes the brain development of babies.
So that children can have a good mood, eat well, sleep soundly. Of course, a baby in a good mood is better to take.
Clinical studies have shown that feeding formula rich in α–whey protein can increase the concentration of intestinal beneficial bacteria in infants – bifidobacteria, the growth of bifidobacteria can regulate the balance of intestinal flora, inhibit the growth of intestinal pathogens.
α–whey protein also contains cystine/cysteine, which also has important biological roles:
As a component of glutathione, it prevents oxidative damage from peroxides; As a precursor of taurine, it is beneficial for bile acid synthesis, fatty acid absorption, and nervous system development.
In addition to nutrition, α–whey protein also has a protective function for infants because α–whey protein may have anti-cancer effects.
What is α-lactalbumin?
α-lactalbumin, the only whey protein that binds calcium, is a small molecule protein and an excellent source of essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids, of which essential amino acids account for 63.2%.
α-lactalbumin is the most important protein component in breast milk, and it is rich in tryptophan.
Tryptophan is an important factor in neurodevelopment and is an important nutrient for regulating sleep, appetite and mood.
α-lactalbumin in breast milk accounts for more than 60% of the total protein, which is the main form of human milk protein, and α-lactalbumin in milk accounts for 19% of the total whey protein.
Recent studies have found that α-lactalbumin isolated from milk very similar to human milk in terms of amino acid ratio and structure, as well as in functional properties. α-lactalbumin widely used in infant formula food.
What is lactoferrin?
As we all know, compared with formula milk powder, breastfed infants and young children can more effectively use the nutrients in breast milk, are not susceptible to various infectious diseases, maintain normal growth and development, mainly because breast milk contains lactoferrin, immunoglobulin and lysozyme and other active proteins, can promote the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and protect the body from microbial infection.
Among them, lactoferrin also plays an important role in the body’s immune and epidemic prevention system by promoting the normal development of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the mucosal immune system, so in infant formula milk powder, strengthening these immune factors can increase its immune function.
The immune system of newborns is mature at about 1 year old, so their anti-infection ability is weaker than that of older children and adults, and they are prone to intestinal diseases, which affects nutrient intake and thus affects growth and development level.
Lactoferrin is a natural component rich in breast milk, accounting for about 20% of the total protein of human milk, and its nutritional value has at least two aspects:
One is as a dietary protein source of amino acids; Second, it is beneficial to the biological utilization of iron.
Sum up
However, ordinary infant formula almost does not contain this nutrient, so strengthening lactoferrin in infant formula makes the nutrient content close to breast milk, which is extremely important for the nutritional needs and growth and development of newborn infants.
It can promote the growth of intestinal beneficial bacteria, help infants resist E. coli, reduce diarrhea, enteritis and other common infant diseases caused by microorganisms such as viruses. Build the first line of defense of life.
Studies have shown that oral lactoferrin is safe and reliable without any side effects.
The effective and reasonable application of lactoferrin in ordinary infant formula milk powder can not only meet the needs of infant growth and development, but also play a protective role in infant health, especially for the nutritional needs of non-breastfed infants.
