Phospholipids and stress relief: Nutiani looks to improve mental health with science-backed MFGMs

29 Jun 2023 --- As consumers continue to seek out new ways to improve their mental health, Nutiani reveals that adding broad-spectrum phospholipids – found naturally in milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) – to diets can significantly reduce stress. 

The results are part of a Fonterra-backed project EMPOWER (employing milk phospholipids to observe well-being emotional resiliency) study. The research aims to expand knowledge on the health benefits in the MFGM phospholipids field.

“There is a growing body of scientific evidence that supports the link between such broad-spectrum phospholipids and psychological stress,” says Dr. Maher Fuad, a research clinician for the health and nutrition science team at Fonterra. “For instance, broad-spectrum phospholipids found in MFGM, such as phosphatidylserine, are proven to affect serotonin and dopamine production and activity.”

“While the direct influence that specific MFGM components have on psychological outcomes like stress are still being investigated, research suggests the combined effect of the phospholipids and other ingredients in MFGM may exert a greater benefit on psychological health than each component in isolation.”Dr. Maher Fuad, a research clinician for the health and nutrition science team at Fonterra.

Phospholipids and psychological well-being
The study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, included 122 participants between the ages of 25 to 60. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial lasted 12 weeks. Participants were divided into three groups where one was given 300 mg of Nutiani phospholipids, one group was given 600 mg and the last group was given a placebo.

After six weeks, both of the phospholipids groups reported significantly less stress than the placebo groups and the large dose group reported less stress than the smaller dose group, by all measurements. However, both groups reported a 45% reduction in stress at the end of 12 weeks.

“The primary outcome of interest in this trial was stress as measured by the DASS-S (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales), which is a 21-item self-report instrument designed to measure the three related negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and tension or stress,” Dr. Fuad explains. “Sleep quality, psychological well-being and symptoms of anxiety and depression were secondary outcomes.”

Dr. Fuad elaborates, noting that while the direct influence that specific MFGM components have on psychological outcomes like stress are still being investigated, research suggests the combined effect of the phospholipids and other ingredients in MFGM may exert a greater benefit on psychological health than each component in isolation.

“Previous research around the role of milk-derived broad-spectrum phospholipids in reducing stress symptoms focused mostly on their influence on stress experienced in a specific situation. Project EMPOWER adds to current understanding by providing evidence of a beneficial reduction in broader and more general stress symptoms.”Significantly, it appeared that Nutiani Phospholipids may work to relieve stress on day one of supplementation.

Bringing MFGM to the mainstream
Another significant finding of the study is that the ingredient seemed to work from day one, according to the participants, though Dr. Fuad highlights that further testing is required to bolster that finding. The effects could be bolstered by the many other ingredients in MFGMs.

“MFGM also constitutes phosphatidylcholine, which is required for the effective synthesis of neurotransmitters implicated in mood and cognitive functions,” he says. “And unlike plant-derived phospholipid sources, Nutiani Phospholipids also include sphingomyelin, which is important for nerve conduction and stabilization.”

Dr. Fuad adds that the company intends to continue its research into mental well-being and to explore intersections in health such as the gut-brain and gut-skin axes.

“Beyond scientific research, we’re constantly refreshing our market research to better understand consumer needs and demands,” he concludes. “Our latest Consumer Wellness Index is underway, and we look forward to continually working with our customers and applying our evidence-based and data-rich insights to their product development.”

By William Bradford Nichols