The milk fat globule membrane: Technology of the future is just today

Abstract

Numerous investigations show that breastfeeding exerts a long-term positive impact on children’s health due to the unique composition of breast milk. The fat constituent of the latter, the major components of which are triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, sterols – primarily cholesterol, makes a special contribution to a child’s development. The fat fraction of breast milk represents fat globules. The nucleus of each globule contains triglycerides that are surrounded by a membrane. The milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) are a protein-lipid complex that contains mineral substances, enzymes, and nucleic acids. The MFGM lipid component represents phospholipids, gangliosides, cerebrosides, and cholesterol. These substances are major components of cell membranes. The phospholipid/cholesterol ratio in the membrane determines its major properties of fluidity and hardness, which is important for the body’s cells to function properly. Gangliosides and cerebrosides, the major lipids of nervous tissue cells, play a key role in brain development. In a bottle-fed baby, MFGM-containing milk formula (MFGM&milk fat) has the same positive effect as breast milk on his development as confirmed by long-term clinical trials.