MFGM: One of Many Key Nutrients for Brain and Immune Function

MFGM, one of the key nutrients found in milk, supports your child’s brain and immune development. We already know that milk contains a wide variety of key nutrients necessary for a child’s development. MFGM is also one of the nutrients found in milk and supports your child’s brain and immune development. Read on to know how MFGM works and why young children should not miss out on this nutrient.

MFGM: The Name May Not Be Familiar, But It Has Always Been in Milk

MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) is a “fat particle membrane in milk” found in milk, as well as cow’s milk. This membrane encapsulates the fat particles in milk, allowing the fat to remain in its shape in milk, which contains various key nutrients that benefit the body². What does the MFGM consist of? Why is it good for kids?

MFGM itself consists of proteins and fat which more than 150 proteins and fats in total. Clinical studies have proven MFGM to help promote the development of brain, emotional intelligence, and immune system²– which are all the qualities that modern children should have.

Image source: iStock

MFGM improves brain cell connections.

MFGMs contain complex lipids such as spingomyelin, phospholipids, and gangliosides, which contribute to promote the formation of nerve cells’ myelin sheath to enhance efficiency signal transmission. They also help enhance the connection between brain cells so the brain can work at full capacity. This introduces a positive impact on brain development in children.

Clinical research has also found that children who received MFGM working with DHA gives 2x more connections per brain cell compared to DHA on its own².

This could be due to the fact that MFGM contains nutrients which boost neurodevelopmental development. Coupled with DHA, it can further help boost brain development.

MFGM strengthens the immune system

Strengthening children’s immunity is very important and MFGM also helps to strengthen the immune system.

Studies have also found that certain proteins in MFGM help support the body’s immune system against viral and bacterial infections^4,5. It helps the body fight infections. For example, studies have shown that MFGM reduces the risk of developing acute otitis media⁴.

In addition, a study found that children who were fed formula with MFGM had shorter period of fever or illness, and were less likely to use antibiotics than those who didn’t receive MFGM added formula — signs of indicating stronger immunity⁵.

When your child has a good immune system, he/she will be healthy and ready to learn new things. MFGM helps to develop more complex communication and languages. According to one study, it was found that those who were fed with MFGM had better language development and more complex communication skills than those without MFGM6.Key Nutrients for Emotional Development: the MFGM Difference

A clinical study showed that MFGM promotes behavioural development, which is a part of overall emotional development⁵.

As you can see, MFGM can promote the development of brain, intelligence, language, and immunity, so mothers should focus more on this nutrient.

Image source: iStock

How Will My Child Get MFGM?

In the past, a significant amount of MFGM was lost during the production of formula milk. But with the advancement of technology, it is now possible to enrich formula milk powder with MFGM from cow’s milk. Don’t miss out on giving your child key nutrients for their development!

So what’s the wait, fortify your child’s staple food with MFGM now.

References:

1 Tanaka K, Hosozawa M, Kudo N, Yoshikawa N, Hisata K, Shoji H, Shinohara K, Shimizu T. The pilot study: sphingomyelin-fortified milk has a positive association with the neurobehavioural development of very low birth weight infants during infancy, randomized control trial. Brain Dev. 2013 Jan;35(1):45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2012.03.004. Epub 2012 May 24. PMID: 22633446.

2 NeuroProof report

3 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.

4 Timby N et al. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015; 60: 384-389

5 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.

6 Li et al, Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula: A Randomized, Controlled Tria, The Journal of Pediatrics December 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31668885/

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Written by

Angelica De Leon-Panganiban

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