The Muscle Mag
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has introduced a new whey protein called Nutri Whey ProHeat, specially designed for medical nutrition applications. This ingredient is formulated for liquid applications and is known for its appealing sensory properties like low viscosity, clean taste, and neutral pH. According to the company, while casein is typically used in liquid oral supplements due to its heat-resistant properties, whey has higher leucine content and is quicker to digest, resulting in faster absorption of essential amino acids into the bloodstream.
To ensure that Nutri Whey ProHeat can withstand heat treatment, the company used a microparticulation process. Vicky Davies, Global Senior Marketing Director for Performance, Active & Medical Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, explained that patient adherence to nutrition programs is heavily influenced by the drinkability of oral liquid supplements. She mentioned that there is a growing demand for compact, easily drinkable, and nutritionally complete liquid supplements, prompting the market to call for increased use of whey protein alongside casein in these formats.
The challenge with whey protein is that it is not easily heat treated, leading to denaturation at high temperatures. This denaturation causes issues like gelation and adverse sensory properties in oral liquid supplements. Nutri Whey ProHeat was specifically developed to address this challenge by utilizing a microparticulation process to create a product with small particle size suitable for high-protein applications.
The ingredient can withstand UHT processing up to 140°C, significantly higher than the denaturation threshold for whey at 75°C. While Nutri Whey ProHeat was designed for medical nutrition applications, Davies emphasized that it also represents a significant advancement in protein delivery for the market.
Meanwhile, Arla Foods Ingredients showcased fermented protein drinks made with whey-based hydrolysate solution to offer consumers a refreshing twist on traditional fermented beverages. Jeppe Sand, head of food sales at the company, highlighted the unique combination of refreshing taste and gut health benefits in these drinks.
The company also presented its innovation in early life nutrition through Lacprodan OPN-10, a bovine milk osteopontin ingredient that has gained novel food approval. This ingredient has been shown to enhance immune response in infants, providing protection against infections and promoting immune system development similar to breastfed infants.
