Scientific research has found that the brain develops up to 85% in the first three years of a child’s life. And we know that if the brain is well developed, other developments follow suit. How can you, as a parent, support early childhood development during this period of rapid growth?
Therefore, it is important that mothers do not overlook this crucial period in a child’s life and provide adequate and essential nutrition right from the onset or giving them the opportunity to learn from a stimulating environment, the brain is the center of activity during this time.
Among these important nutrients is MFGM that helps with a child’s brain development, makes their immune systems stronger, and helps with their development in more ways than one. These are key developments that all mothers want their children to have.
What Is MFGM?
MFGM or Milk Fat Globule Membrane is a biological membrane that is wrapped around milk fat particles found in milk, allowing them to mix well in the aqueous (liquid) part of the milk.
MFGM is rich in fat and has more than 150 biological proteins, all of which are beneficial to the body and brain of children1.
3 Ways MFGM Works Towards Your Child’s Overall Development
- Good brain, good thinking.
MFGM can help promote brain development in children. It is known as one of the nutrients for the brain as it contains complex lipids such as spingomyelin, phospholipids, and gangliosides, which contribute to the formation of the myelin sheath to increase nerve signaling efficiency and the connection between brain cells2. MFGM also helps in the connection between brain cells so the child’s brain is able to work at full capacity. Thus, providing a positive impact on brain development.
A recent 21-day study found that nutrients in MFGM fortified with DHA can improve the chances of connecting brain cells. This, as opposed to fortifying a child’s diet with DHA alone3.
- Stronger immunity
Having a child with a healthy immune system in early childhood development is very important in today’s environment. With new germs, pathogens and allergies cropping up, it is crucial to work towards developing stronger immunity in children. This is where MFMG comes into play to help.
Studies have proved that certain proteins in MFGM help to strengthen the body’s immune system and the defense system against viral and bacterial infection4,5.
Another study showed that MFGM reduces the risk of developing acute otitis media5.
In addition, a study on a group of population found that those who were fed with MFGM added formula had a shorter duration of fever or illness and took fewer antibiotics than those who did not take MFGM4. These are indicators of a stronger immunity6. When your child has a strong immune system, he or she can fight off viral and bacterial infections better. A strong immune system also reduces the chance of illness or allergy.
- Good digestion
Digestive health is equally important in early childhood development. Imagine a child who is suffering from constipation or diarrhea, and is uncomfortable all the time. They would be irritated and fussy. On the other hand, now imagine one who has healthy digestion and good excretion, this will influence other aspects of their health, including managing emotions and the capacity to learn. This is what MFGM which can be found in formula milk7 and cow’s milk helps to do: fight against pathogenic microorganismsand promotes good gut health. This results in a healthy digestive system, which is one of the key factors to your child’s health in the long term.
References:
1 Milk lipid composition and structure; The relevance for infant brain development Lidewij Schipper, Gertjan van Dijk and Eline M. van der Beek
2 Javier Fontecha,Lauren Brink, Steven Wu, Yves Pouliot, Francesco Visioli, and Rafael Jiménez-Flores. Sources, Production, and Clinical Treatments of Milk Fat Globule Membrane for Infant Nutrition and Well-Being. Nutrients. 2020 Jun; 12(6): 1607.
3 NeuroProof report
4 Veereman-Wauters G, Staelens S, Rombaut R, et al. Milk fat globule membrane (INPULSE) enriched formula milk decreases febrile episodes and may improve behavioral regulation in young children. Nutrition. 2012; 28: 749-752.
5 Timby N et al. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015; 60: 384-389
6 Birch EE et al. J Nutr. 2010; 156 (6): 902-906
7 Dewettinck K, Rombaut R, Thienpont N, Le T, Messens K, Van Vamp J. Nutritional and technological aspects of milk fat globule membrane material. Int Dairy J. 2008; 18: 436-457. Jimenez-Flores R, Brisson G. The milk fat globule membrane as an ingredient: why, how, when? Dairy Sci Technol. 2008; 88: 5-18.