Some whey proteins have specific health benefits:
Lactoferrin: contains iron ions, which can activate natural killer cells (NK cells) and neutrophils in human body, promote colony-stimulating factor, and enhance the immune function of macrophages.
α-lactalbumin: accounts for about 20%-25% of whey protein. In mouse experiments, α-lactalbumin enhances body's immune response to antigens.
Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM): special proteins group in human milk, consists of lactophylphilin, xanthine oxidoreductase, lactoglutinin and mucin, etc., they are indispensable to human nutrition and immunity from many aspects.
β-Casein: the main part of caseins in human milk, beta-casein accounts for about 25% of total protein in human milk. Casein provides bioactive phosphopeptides for the human body, and also promote the absorption of calcium in the intestines.
Casein glycomacropeptide (GMP): An active glycopeptide containing sialic acid, produced by rennet hydrolysis of the peptide bond between residues 105 and 106 of k-casein during cheese making. Some GMP fragments have been shown to have antithrombotic effects.
β-Lactoglobulin: The main component of whey protein in bovine milk, accounting for about 58% of whey protein and 10%-15% of total protein.
Hydrolyzed peptides: milk protein alternative for infants with allergies. The quality of hydrolyzed peptides depends on quality of the milk protein raw material and the hydrolysis technology.