High protein intake in early life has been shown to cause rapid weight gain, which has been associated with an increased risk of obesity and associated disorders in later life1-8. Research suggests that lowering the protein concentration of formulas could reduce the risk of overweight and obesity in children. However, there is still a need for documentation on the long-term effect9,10.
The primary consideration when developing low-protein infant formulas is that they provide the required level of amino acids. In other words, lowering the total protein content places higher demands on the quality of the protein ingredients.
Alpha-lactalbumin is the most abundant whey protein in human milk with a high content of essential amino acids. That makes it an ideal solution when it comes to low-protein formulas11,13. By adding alpha-lactalbumin, it is possible to optimise the protein content and composition of the formula, meeting essential amino acid requirements.
Lacprodan® ALPHA from Arla Foods Ingredients is a broad range of products rich in alpha-lactalbumin.
Lacprodan® Premium ALPHA-10 is specially designed for dry-blend infant formula.
References:
1. Koletzko et al. 2009. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 89, 1836–1845.
2. Weber et al. 2014. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 99, 1041–1051.
3. Totzauer et al. 2018. Obesity 26, 1203–1210.
4. Gruszfeld et al. 2016. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 26, 824-32.
5. Ziegler et al. 2015. JPGN 2015;61: 596–603
6. Inostroza et al. 2014. JPGN 59: 70-77
7. Haschke et al. 2019. Nestle Nutrition Inst workshop series
8. Tinghäll Nilsson et al. 2024. Nutrients 16(7):1026.
9. Michaelsen & Greer, 2014. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 99, 718S–722S.
10. Patro-Golab et al. 2016. J. Nutr. 146, 551–564.
11. Lönnerdal & Lien 2003. Nutr. Rev. 61, 295–305
12. Lien et al. 2004. J. Pediatr. Gastr. Nutr. 38, 170–176
13. Tinghäll Nilsson et al. 2023. Nutrients 15(4) :1010
