milk fat globule membrane

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex, three-layered biological structure composed of various polar lipids (such as sphingomyelin and other phospholipids) and proteins that surrounds the neutral lipid core of fat globules in mammalian milk. [4, 6] It is investigated as a nutraceutical or functional food ingredient for its potential health benefits, particularly in infant nutrition for cognitive development and immune support. [1, 2, 3] Preclinical studies in mice suggest that MFGM may help reduce high-fat diet-induced obesity by inhibiting fat cell formation (adipogenesis) and increasing the expression of thermogenic proteins like UCP1 in adipose tissue, partly through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. Clinical trials in humans have explored its effects on metabolic syndrome, atopic dermatitis, and cognitive function. [1, 2, 9] A study in adults with metabolic syndrome found that short-term supplementation with an MFGM-enriched beverage did not significantly improve markers of metabolic endotoxemia or cardiometabolic health. [9] Similarly, a study in patients with atopic dermatitis showed no significant benefit from supplementation with milk phospholipids, a key component of MFGM. Conversely, other studies, particularly in infants, have shown that MFGM supplementation supports cognitive development and may reduce the incidence of certain infections like diarrhea and otitis media. [10, 13] MFGM is naturally present in full-fat dairy products and is also added to some infant formulas to more closely mimic the composition of human breast milk. [1, 3]

Brand names

Lipid 100Lipid100Lipid-100SureStart MFGM Lipid 100SureStart MFGM Lipid 70

Other names

MFGMBovine milk fat globule membrane