The ability of the body to digest and absorb nutrients from food is critical to growth and development in childhood and to supporting good health and wellbeing throughout life. However, there are times when this ability is compromised due to illness, disease or the ageing process, bringing a risk of nutrient maldigestion and malabsorption.
Maldigestion occurs when the digestion process does not function properly, resulting in inadequate breakdown of food and inefficient extraction of nutrients. Malabsorption is a condition where nutrients are not properly absorbed.
The subsequent impact on the body's ability to absorb and utilise nutrients effectively can lead to nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition-related health issues.
Whey protein hydrolysates
Whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) are high-quality proteins that have been broken down – or predigested – into smaller fragments using enzymes that cleave some of the peptide bonds between amino acids. When WPHs are incorporated in medical nutrition, it becomes easier for the digestive system to convert protein into amino acids that the body can absorb and use.
For individuals with specific nutritional needs, WPHs can help meet daily requirements for essential nutrients even if the digestive system is not functioning optimally.
At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer a broad range of WPHs, with different degrees of hydrolysis for various medical nutrition needs. Read more about our whey protein hydrolysates portfolio
