Arla Foods Ingredients
Arla Foods Ingredients developed a new whey protein-based concept for infant formula. Credit: Arla Foods Ingredients.

Arla Foods Ingredients has developed a new whey protein-based concept for infant formula.

Infant formulas that use human milk are said to contain high levels of protein, which is hard to digest and leads to gastrointestinal discomfort in babies such as colic and constipation.

The company’s new formula contains alpha-lactalbumin and whey protein hydrolysates, which have been broken down by enzymes.

This new low-protein formula also includes whey protein concentrate Lacprodan ALPHA-10 and Lacprodan IF-3070, a partially hydrolysed whey protein (DH 9-15) with a mixture of small and larger peptides.

Arla Foods Ingredients is one of the first commercial producers of alpha-lactalbumin and also one of the largest producers of both alpha-lactalbumin and whey protein hydrolysates.

“Gut comfort is generally considered to be important for infant well-being and sleep.”

The ingredients are produced at its manufacturing facility in Denmark using non-genetically modified organism (GMO), kosher and halal-certified milk.

In a statement, the company said: “Gut comfort is generally considered to be important for infant well-being and sleep, and discomfort can be emotionally and physically draining for both infants and parents.

“Furthermore, infant discomfort problems are the most common reason for parents to switch between formulas to find a solution to their infant’s gastrointestinal issues.”

The new formula contains 9.7g of protein per 100g serving and has a protein-to-energy ratio of 1.9g/100kcal.

Arla Foods Ingredients is an independent subsidiary of Danish-Swedish cooperative Arla Foods. It offers a wide range of ingredients for infant nutrition and supports the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations for breastfeeding up to the age of two.