InfantBrain – New infant formulas to promote optimal brain development
Absorption of fat is inferior in newborns who are given infant formula than is the case for breastfed infants. Since absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids is crucial for the development of the brain in the first year of life, reduced fat absorption can lead to a poorer maturation of the brain, and thereby reduced cognitive development.
By: Grith Mortensen
The aim of the project is therefore to develop breast milk substitutes, which ensure maximum absorption of fats, which are necessary for the brain development of the newborn baby. This will be done by optimizing the composition of the interface on the fat particles (using milk phospholipids and possibly other fats) to the lipases that are active in the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn baby.
Project period: January 2016 - June 2021
Budget: 12.368.000 DKK
Financing: Milk Levy Fund, Innovation Fund Denmark, Arla Foods Ingredients, DTU, University of Southern Denmark
Project manager: Anette Müllertz
Institution: Biomeer Pharma, University of Copenhagen
Participants: Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DTU Bioengineering, Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, University of Copenhagen, University of Southern Denmark, Arla Foods Ingredients P/S, and Semper AB
Email: gmo@lf.dk