What's Happening?
A 12-month clinical study has found that twice-daily supplementation with calcium-rich whey permeate helps maintain bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. The study, part of the RENEW project, investigated the use of calcium-rich permeate from
whey production as a bioactive food ingredient to counteract bone loss. Declining estrogen levels during menopause can accelerate bone loss and reduce bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The study involved 316 women who received either a placebo, 800mg of calcium per day from calcium carbonate, or calcium-rich whey permeate (with or without inulin). All participants also received vitamin D. After 12 months, women receiving calcium-rich whey permeate maintained their bone mineral density, while the placebo group experienced a reduction. Blood markers also indicated a slowing of bone loss by the third month. The study utilized Arla Foods Ingredients' Capolac® and Variolac® ingredients.
Why It's Important?
This research is significant because osteoporosis affects approximately one in five older adults globally, with postmenopausal women being particularly susceptible. Effective nutritional strategies are crucial for managing bone health in this demographic. The findings suggest that calcium-rich whey permeate could be a valuable dietary intervention to help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, valorizing calcium-rich whey permeate supports more efficient and sustainable whey production, creating opportunities for innovative food formats. The development of affordable, calcium-rich milk-based ingredients could also address calcium deficiency, especially in developing countries, and contribute to food solutions targeting multiple nutritional deficiencies, thereby improving public health outcomes.
What's Next?
Arla Foods Ingredients is actively developing new food products based on these findings, such as a dried fruit bar high in calcium, providing 265mg of calcium per 10g serving. This convenient format can be adapted to regional flavor preferences and incorporates solutions to reduce fruit waste, promoting a more circular approach to food production. The RENEW study, conducted in Denmark and funded by Innovation Fund Denmark, is a partnership between Arla Foods Ingredients and leading academic institutions. The project aims to further develop an ingredient combining milk calcium, lactose-rich whey permeate, and inulin to support calcium absorption, indicating continued research and development in this area.
Beyond the Headlines
The study highlights the broader potential of dairy co-products, like whey permeate, which are often underutilized. By transforming these into valuable nutritional ingredients, the dairy industry can enhance sustainability by reducing waste and creating new revenue streams. This approach aligns with global efforts to improve food security and address nutritional deficiencies through innovative and accessible solutions. The focus on postmenopausal women also underscores the importance of targeted nutritional interventions for specific demographic groups with unique health challenges. The integration of such ingredients into everyday food items could offer a practical and scalable way to improve bone health on a wider scale, potentially reducing the burden of osteoporosis-related healthcare costs.
