Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) refer to fatty acids which consist of 8-12 carbon atoms. MCFAs make up ~10% of the fat in milk and have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity6,9,26 and increase energy expenditure5 in humans. Given these positive effects, we will pursue two interconnected work packages (WP). In WP1, Aarhus University (FOOD and ENG) will for the first time combine raw milk selection, dry fractionation and short-path distillation, to generate milk lipid fractions with >2-3 fold higher MCFA content than regular milk fat. After in-depth MS/MS lipidomics-based characterization, this novel MCFA-rich milk fat will be produced for testing in humans. In WP2, Copenhagen University will first investigate the mechanisms by which different MCFAs improve health in rodents and humans –including an evaluation of which MCFAs are most potent in inducing the health beneficial effects. This initial
work will i) identify as to which MCFA to enrich for the most in WP1 and ii) establish biomarkers to assess MCFA activity. In a second phase, we will test whether the novel MCFA-rich milk fat (produced in WP1) can prevent whole-body insulin resistance induced by overfeeding with a high-fat diet in humans. Collectively, we are combining state-of-the-art technology and biology to create a new dairy product that has the potential to become a new nutritional ingredient in a healthy diet for the population and to help combat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Project period: Maj 2021- April 2024
Financing: Arla Foods for Health
Collaborators: Copenhagen University, Dept of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport. Arla Foods Amba. Arla Foods Ingredients


Participants (bot AU an external people): Maximillian Kleinert (PI) & Bente Kiens KU Dept of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport: Rikke Frydenberg og Lars Wiking AU FOOD: Zheng Guo AU ENG:
Description

With today’s climate changes and limited resources, the availability of high quality proteins for consumption is increasingly challenged. Plant-based alternative protein sources has been identified. However, animal based food ingredients (e.g. milk) contains exosomes encapsulating microRNA (miRNA) with health beneficial properties. Thus, minor compounds of importance for health are provided by the food and we are currently lacking knowledge about these in plant-based diets. To deliver this, the aim of this project is to map dietary plants that contains exosomes with miRNA and provide proof-of-concept by demonstrating that the exosomes are prone to processing, digestion and has biological activity. This is done by 1) documenting the content of exosomes and miRNA in dietary plants, 2) determine the stability towards food processing and human digestion and 3) deliver knowledge on the health beneficial properties of the exosomes and how to increase the health potential of plants.Description

The overall target of the CleanMilk initiative is to provide a scientific basis for potential future use of in vitrogrown bovine mammary cells for production of milk constituents. This will examine ifsuch systems in the long perspective can contribute to reduce climate gases and thereby contribute to fulfill Danish climate goals for 2030 and 2050.

The project is financed by the Danish Dairy Research FoundationDescription

Toxicity study of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) present in polymer materials Description