Bega Bionutrients is launching Inferrinâ„¢, a novel form of microencapsulated lactoferrin. The microencapsulation can help deliver the benefits of lactoferrin by protecting it from degradation in conditions found in the stomach. Inferrinâ„¢ opens up new benefits and applications for lactoferrin based products including foods and dietary supplements.

An initial pilot clinical trial on Inferrin™ has shown promising results. In a double-blind, randomised, controlled, cross-over trial in healthy males, InferrinTM demonstrated effects on immune markers and the gut microbiome. The study also showed higher levels of lactoferrin in the faecal matter in those consuming InferrinTM. This suggests InferrinTM is indeed surviving degradation in the stomach and influencing the gut microbiome. “We are very excited by these results, and we are already planning to commence a larger scale clinical study later this year to follow up on these results.” said Dr Bradley Coleman, Business Manager of Bega Bionutrients.

“Lactoferrin has been extensively studied and documented for its multiple health benefits in adults and infants. But as a protein, lactoferrin is at risk of being broken down in the mature stomach before it can reach the small intestine, where it is believed much of its activity takes place.” said Dr Coleman. “Understanding this issue, we worked with Australian encapsulation company Progel Pty Ltd and the University of Queensland to develop a form of lactoferrin that is protected through the stomach and released intact in the small intestine. Using Progel’s novel and patented microencapsulation technology, we developed InferrinTM – lactoferrin microencapsulated in common food grade materials. InferrinTM will open new market opportunities for our customers and supports innovative product applications”.

InferrinTM is ideal for use in foods and dietary supplements. The unique microencapsulation technology allows InferrinTM to use in a wide variety of delivery formats including gels, powders and liquids, as well as the more traditional tablets and capsules.

“The installation of the microencapsulation technology at Bega’s Tatura Milk Industries facility in Victoria, Australia strengthens Bega’s product development and production capabilities in specialty ingredients and life-stage nutritionals.”

Bega Bionutrients will feature InferrinTM at Vitafoods on in Geneva this May.

Bega Bionutrients Lactoferrin, produced by Tatura Milk Industries Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bega Cheese Ltd, has been recently granted novel food status in Europe and is available for sale.

The decision of the authority assessing the application states: ‘…that the bovine lactoferrin produced by Tatura Milk Industries of Australia is substantially equivalent to bovine lactoferrin already authorised for the EU market with respect to composition, nutritional value, metabolism, intended use and level of undesirable substances.’

Matthieu Arguillere, General Manager Bionutrients added; ‘Our lactoferrin is directly extracted from very fresh, premium quality Australian cow’s milk using gentle methods that preserve the integrity and bioactivity of the protein. Our milk comes from some of the best dairying regions in Australia. Thanks to this high quality production, we have built up a substantial lactoferrin business over the past decade supplying customers throughout Asia and Oceania. This approval opens up a number of exciting new business opportunities in Europe and gives European customers a new source of well-established, high quality lactoferrin for their products.’

Lactoferrin is used in a number of food products, including infant nutrition, supplements and lifestyle nutrition products.

Bega Bionutrients is a manufacturer and supplier of specialty health and nutrition ingredients. Our aim is to improve the health and wellness of people through delivering innovative bionutrient products. Bega Bionutrients is a division of Bega Cheese Limited, one of Australia’s largest dairy companies, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.