Alpha-Lactalbumin for Infants
WHAT IS ALPHA-LACTALBUMIN?
Alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-lac or lactalbumin) is a high-quality whey protein naturally found in the milk of mammals. It plays a key role in promoting milk volume and is one of the most nutritionally valuable proteins available. Through advanced processing, alpha-lac can be isolated from cow’s milk and incorporated into infant formulas.
Bovine-derived alpha-lac has a unique structure and function that closely resembles human alpha- lactalbumin, making it capable of supporting infant development. It delivers essential amino acids like tryptophan and cysteine and helps better match the protein composition of human milk. It can also fuel beneficial gut bacteria and lead to more optimal growth for the infant.
What ARE THE benefits of ALPHA-LACTALBUMIN FOR INFANTS?
Alpha-lactalbumin plays a pivotal role in supporting various aspects of infant health. Its rich tryptophan content contributes to serotonin production, which is essential for regulating sleep cycles. A study published in Nutrients (2023) demonstrated that infants consuming a formula enriched with alpha-lactalbumin exhibited improved sleep patterns compared to those on standard formulas.
Source: Nutrients, 2023 – MDPI
Alpha-lac can also support immune function and gut health. A 2023 study in Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics found that infants consuming alpha-lac-enriched formula experienced fewer gastrointestinal issues and demonstrated improved nutrient absorption compared to those on standard formulas.
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics, 2023 – SpringerOpen
HOw does ALPHA-LACTALBUMIN COMPARE TO OTHER INFANT FORMULAS?
Formulas enriched with alpha-lac offer several advantages over standard whey-predominant formulas. By reducing the total protein content while maintaining essential amino acid levels, alpha-lac-based formulas can lead to more optimal growth, development and long-term health compared to standard formulas. Clinical studies suggest these formulas may improve gastrointestinal comfort and improve feeding-related gastrointestinal side effect in infants with colic. Compared to traditional formulas, alpha-lac-enriched options better support neurodevelopment, immune defense, and overall growth patterns similar to breastfed infants.
Actus supports the World Health Organization’s recommendation that breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, and we recognize the importance of breast milk in promoting lifelong health and development.
NutriPRO® Alpha-lac Offerings
At Actus Nutrition, our scientists and engineers work relentlessly to create high-quality ingredients designed to optimize health and nutrition. With this in mind, our NutriPRO® Alpha-Enriched range was developed to enable infant formula manufacturers to provide more sophisticated products that better support infant growth and development. Within this range are both whey protein concentrates and isolates, with 2 to 3 times the level of alpha in standard whey protein.