Arla Foods Ingredients has launched Lacprodan CGMP-30, a new casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP).
According to Denmark-based company, the new ingredient is aimed at the dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU).
This release follows the company’s earlier development of Lacprodan CGMP-20, a “highly purified” CGMP noted for very low phenylalanine content.
PKU is a metabolic disorder affecting approximately one in 24,000 newborns globally. It prevents the body from metabolising phenylalanine (an essential amino acid).
Without management, the amino acid accumulates in the blood and brain, potentially leading to epilepsy, severe intellectual disability and behavioural problems.
Standard treatment typically involves a lifelong low-protein diet and reliance on protein substitutes.
However, adherence to these regimens is often affected by issues such as taste and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Clinical studies on the predecessor ingredient, Lacprodan CGMP-20, showed that partially replacing free amino acids in a protein substitute with this ingredient improves gastrointestinal symptoms.
The studies also demonstrated that this partial replacement enhances taste and palatability compared with formulations containing only free amino acids.
Arla Foods Ingredients stated that the newly introduced Lacprodan CGMP-30 retains the benefits of the previous ingredient while containing about 50% less phenylalanine, making it appropriate for the most phenylalanine-sensitive patients.
Both Lacprodan CGMP-30 and CGMP-20 are “rich” in large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), such as threonine and isoleucine, which help limit phenylalanine transport into the brain.
The ingredients comply with European guidelines for use in protein substitutes for patients aged four and above.
According to the company, these ingredients can be utilised in medical nutrition applications, including powders and UHT drinks.
Additionally, their naturally low tyrosine content makes them suitable for patients with other rare amino acid disorders, such as alkaptonuria and tyrosinaemia.
Arla Foods Ingredients specialised nutrition sales development head Mads Dyrvig said: “Our new Lacprodan CGMP-30 represents a major advance because it offers even lower phenylalanine content. As such, we anticipate that it will be a unique new solution for blood phenylalanine control, as well as improved gastrointestinal comfort, in the most phenylalanine-sensitive PKU patients. Its taste and palatability are also superior to solutions based on free amino acids, offering further benefits for quality of life.”
In October, Arla Foods Ingredients introduced Easy Bite, a new protein snack concept aimed at helping manufacturers improve nutritional value while maintaining taste and texture.
