Bunge Loders Croklaan unveils regionally tailored infant lipid solution

Bunge Loders Croklaan has announced the launch of Betapol Select, a lipid ingredient for infant formula that “mimics the fat composition of Chinese mother’s milk”.

OPO (oleic-palmitic-oleic) and OPL (oleic-palmitic-linoleic) are uniquely structured lipids that are naturally present in mother’s milk. Bunge Loders Croklaan says that the presence of palmitic acid in the centre position (SN-2 palmitate) has been clinically proven to improve energy intake, increase bone mineral density, increase healthy gut bacteria and improve sleep, among other benefits.

According to Bunge Loders Croklaan, recent research into mother’s breast milk has shown regional variations. The company says that in Western mothers’ milk fat, OPO is the most prevalent triglyceride, followed by OPL. Meanwhile, in Chinese mothers’ milk, it is the other way around.

To mimic this balance, the company’s new infant lipid solution provides a high level of SN-2 palmitate with the right combination of OPL and OPO triglycerides.

“With the launch of Betapol Select today and award-winning Betapol Plus last year, we are expanding our infant nutritional lipids portfolio in all geographies and getting closer than ever before to the gold standard of mother’s milk,” said Dr Emiliano Rial Verde, vice president nutrition at Bunge Loders Croklaan.

“Research in infant nutrition made us understand that macronutrients in human breast milk vary – not only with lactation stages, diurnally and within feeds, but also regionally. These regional differences are influenced by the mother’s origin and diet.

“Our new solution combines the benefits of Betapol with the OPL and OPO balance naturally present in Chinese mother’s milk fat.”

Dr Wiola Mi, global human nutrition science lead of the new generation Betapol, added: “While mother’s milk fat contains only 3-4% fat, it provides 50% of a baby’s energy intake in the first six months.

“Especially designed for the needs of Chinese babies, Betapol Select provides the right OPL-OPO balance to mimic Chinese mother’s milk fat and, at the same time, comply with the new Chinese GB standards for infant and toddler formula.”

Bunge Loders Croklaan recently announced the launch of Karibon, a 100% shea-based cocoa butter equivalent.