Structure, Biological Functions, Separation, Properties, and Potential Applications of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM): A Review

Nie, Chao; Zhao, Yunyi; Wang, Xifan; Li, Yixuan; Fang, Bing; Wang, Ran; Wang, Xiaoyu; Liao, Haiping; Li, Gengsheng; Wang, Pengjie; Liu, Rong

doi:10.3390/nu16050587

Cited by 11 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 109 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The enrichment of infant formula with bovine MFGM showed a marginal improvement in immunity and cognitive parameters, but the affected parameters were only few among many endpoints tested [ 149 ]. Combined with results from other studies [ 150 , 151 , 152 ], the evidence in favor of bovine milk MFGM supplementation remains weak. Yet, bovine MFGM is now believed to be safe to add to formulas [ 153 , 154 ].…”

Section: Bioactivity Of Isolated Milk Fractions or Proteinsmentioning

confidence: 83%

Science and Faith to Understand Milk Bioactivity for Infants

Sangild

2024

Nutrients

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Milk bioactivity refers to the specific health effects of milk components beyond nutrition. The science of milk bioactivity involves the systematic study of these components and their health effects, as verified by empirical data, controlled experiments, and logical arguments. Conversely, ’faith in milk bioactivity’ can be defined as personal opinion, meaning, value, trust, and hope for health effects that are beyond investigation by natural, social, or human sciences. Faith can be strictly secular, but also influenced by spirituality or religion. The aim of this paper is to show that scientific knowledge is frequently supplemented with faith convictions to establish personal and public understanding of milk bioactivity. Mammalian milk is an immensely complex fluid containing myriad proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and micronutrients with multiple functions across species, genetics, ages, environments, and cultures. Human health includes not only physical health, but also social, mental, and spiritual health, requiring widely different fields of science to prove the relevance, safety, and efficacy of milk interventions. These complex relationships between milk feeding and health outcomes prevent firm conclusions based on science and logic alone. Current beliefs in and understanding of the value of breast milk, colostrum, infant formula, or isolated milk proteins (e.g., immunoglobulins, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and growth factors) show that both science and faith contribute to understand, stimulate, or restrict the use of milk bioactivity. The benefits of breastfeeding for infants are beyond doubt, but the strong beliefs in its health effects rely not only on science, and mechanisms are unclear. Likewise, fear of, or trust in, infant formula may rely on both science and faith. Knowledge from science safeguards individuals and society against ‘milk bioactivity superstition’. Conversely, wisdom from faith-based convictions may protect science from unrealistic ‘milk bioactivity scientism’. Honesty and transparency about the potentials and limitations of both scientific knowledge and faith convictions are important when informing individuals and society about the nutritious and bioactive qualities of milk.

show abstract