While for a long time many women have been debating whether or not to breastfeed their child, a bioengineering company announces a new milk powder formula . However, the latter would be closer than ever to breast milk.
For some women, breastfeeding is a necessity. This is to strengthen the immune system of the baby, to feed him but also to support his development during the first years. Other women, on the other hand, prefer to use powdered milk. Indeed, breastfeeding can be painful, physically complicated or even be the subject of a psychological block.
As Forbes explains in an article published on July 31, 2020, a company called Conagen wants to revolutionize the milk powder sector. Expert in bioengineering, this company based in Boston (United States) has announced a new formula to get closer to breast milk . This is an innovation that could interest some giants in the sector with similar objectives such as Nestlé, Mead Johnson or Danone.
Let's talk about the fact that making milk powder similar to breast milk is a complex undertaking. Indeed, breast milk contains many components that can vary from one mother to another , or even depending on the feedings. One of the main ingredients is none other than lactoferrin, the second most present protein in breast milk. It is an antimicrobial and an antiviral helping babies in particular to better absorb iron present in milk.
You should know that currently, the lactoferrin present in powdered milk comes from cow's milk . This involves purifying this milk, a complex and particularly costly process. In addition, this same process destroys several nutrients considered essential.
This lactoferrin, the Conagen company says it was able to imitate it using tools from biological engineering. Researchers have developed a fermentation process similar to cheese or wine. The goal? Obtain a version of lactoferrin closer to that coming out of mothers' breasts.
For several years now, biologists have been trying to find a way that is as effective as it is economical to improve the effects of powdered milk . Plus, beyond lactoferrin, research is looking at no less than 200 complex sugars (oligosaccharides) that act as prebiotics for babies' immune systems. It's about feeding the good bacteria located in their digestive system.
For Conagen, this innovation could allow it to take an important place in the milk powder market. On the other hand, this company will first have to wait for the green light from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Indeed, the authority is currently ruling on the possibility of using this new formula.
