Milk protein hydrolysates

Milk-based hydrolysates for early life nutrition
Hydrolysed proteins are used in infant nutrition products targeting cow’s milk allergy management. Furthermore, there are some indications that hydrolysed proteins may positively affect gastrointestinal comfort ^1-3. Milk based hydrolysates are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis – or “predigestion” – of milk proteins, and their content of varying peptide sizes and intact protein can be adapted to need.

Hydrolysates are divided into two categories:

• Extensive, filtered hydrolysates
  This type of hydrolysates is used for products for infants suffering from cow’s milk allergy.
• Partial, non-filtered hydrolysates
  There is some evidence to suggest that this type of hydrolysates may help reducing the risk of allergy ^4-6 and be used in comfort products ^1-3.

Milk based hydrolysates and cow’s milk allergy 
Formulas based on hydrolysed proteins can be used to secure adequate nutrition for formula-fed infants who are allergic to cow’s milk proteins. 

When it comes to prevention of allergy, research has been conducted to investigate whether feeding hydrolysed proteins to infants may reduce the risk of developing allergy. In a meta-analysis including 12 different studies, infants receiving a partially hydrolysed formula showed a significantly reduced incidence of cumulative atopic dermatitis, compared to infants receiving a formula based on intact protein ⁴. Additionally, in the German GINI study a preventive effect of hydrolysed formulas compared to intact cow's milk formula was seen 20 years after intervention period ⁶. Furthermore, in a rat study it was found that partially hydrolysed proteins induced oral tolerance to intact proteins ⁷. If oral tolerance fails, food allergy will occur, suggesting that building oral tolerance is important in the first months of life ⁸.

Hydrolysates and gastrointestinal discomfort
Formulas based on hydrolysed protein have a significantly higher content of peptides and less intact protein than standard formulas. There is some evidence to suggest that formulas containing pre-digested protein may be easier for infants to digest ^9-11.

Clinical studies indicate that hydrolysate-based formulas may help:

• Reduce crying ^{12,13, 2}
• Soften stool ^{1, 2,14,15}
• Reduce gastric emptying time ¹⁶

Our hydrolysed casein and whey proteins
At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer a broad range of hydrolysed casein and whey proteins. All are tested for antigenicity, molecular weight distribution and degree of hydrolysis to ensure consistent quality. 

Peptigen^® IF-3080: approved in the EU 
In EU, European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) must evaluate the safety and suitability of all protein hydrolysates used in formulas. In March 2022, EFSA published an opinion that Peptigen^® IF-3080 was safe and suitable for use in infant and follow-on formulas in the EU.

One year later - in March 2023 - Peptigen^® IF-3080 was included in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127 – the final step necessary for it to be used in infant and follow-on formulas sold across the EU