Human blood metabolites and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating chronic mental disorder that leads to reduced quality of life and increased economic burden. Observational studies have found an association between human blood metabolites and PTSD. Nonetheless, these studies have limitations and are subject to confounding factors as well as reverse causation. Herein, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach for the systematic analysis of the blood metabolites and PTSD causal link.

METHODS

Data for the human blood metabolome, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolome, and PTSD were obtained from publicly available summary-level genome-wide association studies (GWAS), respectively. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach represented the main analytic method for assessing exposure-outcome causal associations, employing multiple sensitivity analyses to verify the results' stability. In addition, replication and meta-analysis, steiger test and reverse MR analysis methods were performed to clarify further that these metabolites have independent causal effects on PTSD. Finally, the results of blood and CSF metabolomics analyses were synthesized to obtain biological markers with a causal link to PTSD.

RESULTS

Conclusively, we identified potential causal associations between six blood metabolites and PTSD. The sensitivity analyses elucidated the absence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the MR results. The Steiger test and reverse MR analysis did not reveal reverse causal associations, proving the robustness of our results. Combined blood and CSF metabolome analyses showed the same trend for theophylline.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a strong causal link between metabolites and PTSD, which can be used as a biomarker for clinical PTSD disease screening and prevention. This study also provides a new perspective on the mechanism of metabolite-mediated PTSD development by combining genomics and metabolomics.

The relevance of a potential bioactive ingredient: The milk fat globule membrane

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is the surrounding membrane of the triacyl glyceride-dense fat globules in milk. The native MFGM is a tri-layer structure formed during the biosynthesis of lipids in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of lactocytes within the mammary gland. It is composed of a phospholipid tri-layer, cholesterol, many proteins, glycosylated proteins, and various lipids (Brink and Lönnerdal, 2020). The 2 main sources of MFGM are cream derived during butter production and whey derived from cheese manufacturing. The use of MFGM ingredients in nutritional products, especially in infant nutrition, has received great attention in recent years. Today, there is a range of commercially available MFGM-enriched ingredients from various suppliers across the globe. The basic components of the tri-layer, phospholipids, and proteins have been shown to exert bioactive effects in various models including in humans. It is not yet known how the differences in composition of such complex ingredients impact the bioactive potential of MFGM within the dairy matrix. The MFGM becomes more complex as a result of processing as it loses its native tri-layer structure and MFGM fragments are formed. This review aims to bring to light the underlying mechanisms for the bioactive effects of MFGM ingredients on human health.

Milk fat globule membranes for psychological and physical health: qualitative results from the Employing Milk Phospholipids to Observe Well-being and Emotional Resilience (EMPOWER) randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) present a nutritional intervention with the potential to improve psychological well-being and mitigate the negative effects of stress on health. The present study aimed to investigate participant's experience of different aspects of health during a trial of MFGM supplementation and determine the effect of MFGM on qualitative measures of psychological and physical well-being.

METHODS

Seventy-three adults in New Zealand who were enrolled in a clinical trial to test MFGM supplementation for improvement of psychological well-being took part in a post-intervention interview. Participants and researchers remained blinded to intervention group allocation. Interviews were conducted over the video conferencing platform Zoom and transcribed. A mixed methods analytical approach included thematic analysis to identify emerging themes and χ2 regression models to examine frequency of improvements in different aspects of well-being between the MFGM and placebo groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant demographic or psychological differences between interviewees and non-interviewed study participants. Four central themes emerged from the data for all participants: improved well-being, increased ability to cope with stress and improvements in mood, improvement in physical energy or activity, and improved sleep. The frequency of improved ability to cope with stress and improved sleep quality was significantly higher in participants who received MFGM supplementation compared to those receiving the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative data may capture aspects of improved sleep or psychological well-being not measured by rating scales. The results suggest that MFGM supplementation may improve the ability to cope with stress and improve sleep quality in healthy adults.

Lipidomic Comparisons of Whole Cream Buttermilk Whey and Cheese Whey Cream Buttermilk of Caprine Milk

Buttermilk is a potential material for the production of a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and can be mainly classified into two types: whole cream buttermilk and cheese whey cream buttermilk (WCB). Due to the high casein micelle content of whole cream buttermilk, the removal of casein micelles to improve the purity of MFGM materials is always required. This study investigated the effects of rennet and acid coagulation on the lipid profile of buttermilk rennet-coagulated whey (BRW) and buttermilk acid-coagulated whey (BAW) and compared them with WCB. BRW has significantly higher phospholipids (PLs) and ganglioside contents than BAW and WCB. The abundance of arachidonic acid (ARA)- and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-structured PLs was higher in WCB, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-structured PLs were higher in BRW, indicating that BRW and WCB intake might have a greater effect on improving cardiovascular conditions and neurodevelopment. WCB and BRW had a higher abundance of plasmanyl PL and plasmalogen PL, respectively. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) (28:1), LPE (20:5), and PC (26:0) are characteristic lipids among BRW, BAW, and WCB, and they can be used to distinguish MFGM-enriched whey from different sources.

Effect of consumption of sheep and cow milk on rat brain fatty acid and phospholipid composition

The effect of sheep milk and cow milk on the lipid composition of rat brain was investigated in two feeding experiments of 28-days duration. Total lipids of the rat brain were extracted using ethanol-hexane, and the fatty acids and phospholipid contents analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR). Furthermore, freeze-dried pooled samples were analysed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared and Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy and analysed with multivariate methods. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher C18:2 content was found in the cow milk group compared with sheep milk-treated groups in Study one. In Study two, a significantly (P < 0.05) lower C16:0 content was present in the sheep milk-treated group compared to the control low Ca/P group. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in the spectroscopy analyses. It is concluded that sheep and cow milks fed to rats for 28-days had a low effect on the brain lipidome.

Effects of dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio and forage type on milk phospholipids and fatty acid composition of polar lipids

The effects of grass silage and red clover silage on milk fatty acid (FA) composition are extensively studied, but little is known of their effects on minor lipid constituents of milk fat globule membrane. We investigated the effects of forage:concentrate (FC) ratio in grass silage-based diets and forage type (grass silage vs. red clover silage) on selected molecular species of milk phospholipids (PL) and the FA composition of PL. Ten multiparous Nordic Red cows were offered following dietary treatments: grass silage-based diets containing 70:30 (HG) or 30:70 (LG) FC ratio or a red clover silage-based diet (RC) comprising 50:50 FC ratio on a dry matter basis. The most abundant molecular species within the phosphatidylcholines was 16:0-18:1 phosphatidylcholine that was increased by 18% in HG compared with LG milk. Dietary treatments did not affect the relative proportion of 18:1-18:1+18:0-18:2 phosphatidylethanolamine that was the most prevalent species (ca. 44%-45%) in that class. We identified the d18:1-22:0 sphingomyelin as the most abundant sphingomyelin species that tended to increase in HG milk compared with LG. The FC ratio did not affect the relative proportions of saturated FA nor monounsaturated FA in PL, but the proportion of cis-9 18:1 was elevated in HG versus LG milk, whereas the proportion of 18:2n-6 was 50% higher in LG versus HG milk. The RC diet increased monounsaturated FA and 18:3n-3 levels in PL compared with grass silage-based diets and decreased the relative proportion of saturated FA. However, the RC diet did not affect the relative proportion of polyunsaturated FA in PL, although red clover silage typically increases the proportion of polyunsaturated FA in milk fat. This study provides valuable knowledge of the minor lipid components in milk on species level in relation to common feeding strategies in high-forage systems.

Integrated meta-omics reveals the regulatory landscape involved in lipid metabolism between pig breeds

BACKGROUND

Domesticated pigs serve as an ideal animal model for biomedical research and also provide the majority of meat for human consumption in China. Porcine intramuscular fat content associates with human health and diseases and is essential in pork quality. The molecular mechanisms controlling lipid metabolism and intramuscular fat accretion across tissues in pigs, and how these changes in response to pig breeds, remain largely unknown.

RESULTS

We surveyed the tissue-resident cell types of the porcine jejunum, colon, liver, and longissimus dorsi muscle between Lantang and Landrace breeds by single-cell RNA sequencing. Combining lipidomics and metagenomics approaches, we also characterized gene signatures and determined key discriminating markers of lipid digestibility, absorption, conversion, and deposition across tissues in two pig breeds. In Landrace, lean-meat swine mainly exhibited breed-specific advantages in lipid absorption and oxidation for energy supply in small and large intestinal epitheliums, nascent high-density lipoprotein synthesis for reverse cholesterol transport in enterocytes and hepatocytes, bile acid formation, and secretion for fat emulsification in hepatocytes, as well as intestinal-microbiota gene expression involved in lipid accumulation product. In Lantang, obese-meat swine showed a higher synthesis capacity of chylomicrons responsible for high serum triacylglycerol levels in small intestinal epitheliums, the predominant characteristics of lipid absorption in muscle tissue, and greater intramuscular adipcytogenesis potentials from muscular fibro-adipogenic progenitor subpopulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings enhanced our understanding of the cellular biology of lipid metabolism and opened new avenues to improve animal production and human diseases. Video Abstract.

Cow's Milk: A Benefit for Human Health? Omics Tools and Precision Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance Management

Cow's milk (CM) is a healthy food consumed worldwide by individuals of all ages. Unfortunately, "lactase-deficient" individuals cannot digest milk's main carbohydrate, lactose, depriving themselves of highly beneficial milk proteins like casein, lactoalbumin, and lactoglobulin due to lactose intolerance (LI), while other individuals develop allergies specifically against these proteins (CMPA). The management of these conditions differs, and an inappropriate diagnosis or treatment may have significant implications for the patients, especially if they are infants or very young children, resulting in unnecessary dietary restrictions or avoidable adverse reactions. Omics technologies play a pivotal role in elucidating the intricate interactions between nutrients and the human body, spanning from genetic factors to the microbiota profile and metabolites. This comprehensive approach enables the precise delineation and identification of distinct cohorts of individuals with specific dietary requirements, so that tailored nutrition strategies can be developed. This is what is called personalized nutrition or precision nutrition (PN), the area of nutrition that focuses on the effects of nutrients on the genome, proteome, and metabolome, promoting well-being and health, preventing diseases, reducing chronic disease incidence, and increasing life expectancy. Here, we report the opinion of the scientific community proposing to replace the "one size fits all" approach with tailor-made nutrition programs, designed by integrating nutrigenomic data together with clinical parameters and microbiota profiles, taking into account the individual lactose tolerance threshold and needs in terms of specific nutrients intake. This customized approach could help LI patients to improve their quality of life, overcoming depression or anxiety often resulting from the individual perception of this condition as different from a normal state.

Partition of milk phospholipids during ice cream manufacturing

The distribution of phospholipids (PL) within the fat and serum phase of ice cream manufacturing was evaluated through partition coefficients (KPL) after mixing, pasteurization, freezing, and hardening. Ice creams containing about 40.41 ± 3.45 (± standard deviation; control formulation) and 112.29 ± 9.06 (enriched PL formulation) mg of PL per g of fat were formulated with nonfat dry milk and β-serum, respectively. Overall, the KPL were lower than 1, indicating that the PL were predominantly found in the fat phase, and only a small amount was left in the serum and sediment. Confocal micrographs visually confirmed this generalization. The addition of PL significantly increased the viscosity of the mixes between 4- and 9-fold, depending on the shear rate. Additionally, mixes containing high PL exhibited higher yield stress than those formulated with low PL (0.15 ± 0.09 and 0.016 ± 0.08 Pa, respectively). Ice creams with high PL delayed the onset of meltdown and exhibited a slower rate of a meltdown than low-PL ice creams (18.53 ± 0.57 and 14.83 ± 0.85 min, and 1.01 ± 0.05 and 0.71 ± 0.04% min-1, respectively). This study provides useful guidelines for manufacturing ice cream enriched in milk PL. Additionally, the use of β-serum, a byproduct stream, as a source of PL is illustrated. The development will require studying the sensorial description of the product as well as consumer acceptance.

Milk fat globule membrane: composition, production and its potential as encapsulant for bioactives and probiotics

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex trilayer structure present in mammalian milk and is mainly composed of phospholipids and proteins (>90%). Many studies revealed MFGM has positive effects on the immune system, brain development, and cognitive function of infants. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been found to improve mental health and insulin sensitivity, regulate immunity, and prevent allergies. Probiotics are unstable and prone to degradation by environmental, processing, and storage conditions. In this review, the processes used for encapsulation of probiotics particularly the potential of MFGM and its constituents as encapsulating materials for probiotics are described. This study analyzes the importance of MFGM in encapsulating bioactive substances and emphasizes the interaction with probiotics and the gut as well as its resistance to adverse environmental factors in the digestive system when used as a probiotic embedding material. MFGM can enhance the gastric acid resistance and bile resistance of probiotics, mainly manifested in the survival rate of probiotics. Due to the role of digestion, MFGM-coated probiotics can be released in the intestine, and due to the biocompatibility of the membrane, it can promote the binding of probiotics to intestinal epithelial cells, and promote the colonization of some probiotics in the intestine.

Multifunctional Milk-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles and Their Biomedical Applications

In recent years, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been regarded as the next generation of novel delivery systems after lipid nanoparticles because of their advantages and huge prospects in drug delivery. Studies have shown that sEVs are abundant in milk and therefore can be a large and economical source of sEVs. Natural milk-derived small extracellular vesicles (msEVs) have important functions such as immune regulation, anti-bacterial infection, anti-oxidative, etc., and play a beneficial role in human health at multiple levels, including intestinal health, bone/muscle metabolism, and microbiota regulation. In addition, because they can pass the gastrointestinal barrier and have low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility, and stability, msEVs are considered a crucial oral drug delivery vehicle. Moreover, msEVs can be further engineered for targeted delivery to prolong the circulation time or enhance local drug concentrations. However, msEVs separation and purification, complex contents, and quality control hinder their application in drug delivery. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the biogenesis and characteristics, isolation and purification, composition, loading methods, and function of msEVs, based on which their applications in biomedical fields are further explored.

Efficient in vitro digestion of lipids and proteins in bovine milk fat globule membrane ingredient (MFGMi) and whey-casein infant formula with added MFGMi

The relative immaturity of the infant digestive system has the potential to affect the bioavailability of dietary lipids, proteins, and their digested products. We performed a lipidomic analysis of a commercial bovine milk fat globule membrane ingredient (MFGMi) and determined the profile of lipids and proteins in the bioaccessible fraction after in vitro digestion of both the ingredient and whey-casein-based infant formula without and with MFGMi. Test materials were digested using a static 2-phase in vitro model, with conditions simulating those in the infant gut. The extent of digestion and the bioaccessibility of various classes of neutral and polar lipids were monitored by measuring a wide targeted lipid profile using direct infusion-mass spectrometry. Digestion of abundant proteins in the ingredient and whey-casein infant formula containing the ingredient was determined by denaturing PAGE with imaging of Coomassie Brilliant Blue stained bands. Cholesterol esters, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines in MFGMi were hydrolyzed readily during in vitro digestion, which resulted in marked increases in the amounts of free fatty acids and lyso-phospholipids in the bioaccessible fraction. In contrast, sphingomyelins, ceramides, and gangliosides were largely resistant to simulated digestion. Proteins in MFGMi and the infant formulas also were hydrolyzed efficiently. The results suggest that neutral lipids, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and proteins in MFGMi are digested efficiently during conditions that simulate the prandial lumen of the stomach and small intestine of infants. Also, supplementation of whey-casein-based infant formula with MFGMi did not appear to alter the profiles of lipids and proteins in the bioaccessible fraction after digestion.

Lipidomic and Proteomic Profiling of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane from Different Industrial By-Products of the Butter and Butter Oil Manufacturing Process

Recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of regular intake of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) on neural and cognitive development, as well as immune and gastrointestinal health in infants and elders. Dairy products and by-products generated from the butter and butter oil manufacturing process are valuable sources of MFGM. Thus, in view of the growing need to reduce by-products and waste, it is crucial to foster research aimed at the valorization of dairy by-products rich in MFGM. For this purpose, all the by-products coming from butter and butter oil production (from raw milk to the related by-products) were used to study the MFGM isolated fractions, followed by their characterization through a combined lipidomic and proteomic approach. The patterns of polar lipids and proteins indicated that buttermilk (BM), butterserum (BS), and their mix (BM-BS blend) are the most suitable by-products to be employed as starting material for the isolation and purification of MFGMs, thus obtaining MFGM-enriched ingredients for the manufacture of products with high biological activity.

Postprandial lipemic response in dairy-avoiding females following an equal volume of sheep milk relative to cow milk: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Sheep milk (SM) is an alternate dairy source, which despite many similarities, has both compositional and structural differences in lipids compared to cow milk (CM). Studies are yet to examine the apparent digestibility of SM lipids, relative to CM, and the potential impact on the plasma lipidome.

Objective

To determine the response of the circulatory lipidome to equal volume servings of SM and CM, in females who avoid dairy products.

Method

In a double-blinded, randomized, cross-over trial, self-described dairy avoiding females (n = 30; 24.4 ± 1.1 years) drank SM or CM (650 mL; 33.4 vs. 21.3 g total lipid content; reconstituted from spray dried milk powders) following an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected at fasting and at regular intervals over 4 h after milk consumption. The plasma lipidome was analyzed by LC-MS and fatty acids were quantified by GC-FID.

Results

The overall postprandial triglyceride (TG) response was similar between SM and CM. TG concentrations were comparable at fasting for both groups, however they were higher after CM consumption at 30 min (interaction milk × time p = 0.003), well before any postprandial lipemic response. This was despite greater quantities provided by SM. However, there were notable differences in the postprandial fatty acid response, with SM leading to an increase in short- and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) (C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0) and several long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) (C18:1 t11, c9, t11-CLA, and C20:0; interaction time × milk p < 0.05). This corresponded to a greater postprandial response for medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) C10:0, including TG(10:0/14:0/18:1), TG(16:0/10:0/12:0), and TG(16:0/10:0/14:0) (interaction time × milk p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite a higher fat content, SM ingestion resulted in a greater circulating abundance of MCTs, without increasing total postprandial triglyceride response, when compared to CM. The greater abundance and postprandial appearance of MCTs may provide advantageous metabolic responses in children and adults.

Unique identifier and registry

U1111-1209-7768; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375324.

World Trends in Infant Formulas Composition Enhancement

This article provides the overview of the major strategies for infant formulas composition enhancement via modern technologies and trends in minimizing technology-related loads on the environment. Potential modifications of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of milk formulas nutrients have been determined. We also covered product contents changing over age, as well as the perspectives of using animal milk in formulas. The relevance of adding biologically active substances and living microorganisms (probiotics), their safety, and efficacy are discussed.

Lipopeptide liposomes-loaded hydrogel for multistage transdermal chemotherapy of melanoma

Transdermal administration of chemotherapeutics into tumor tissues may be an effective treatment to reduce toxic side effects and improve patient compliance for melanoma. Herein, we report a multistage transdermal drug delivery system for chemotherapy of melanoma. In this system, dendritic lipopeptide (DLP) modified multistage targeted liposomes (Mtlip) were incorporated into the hydrogel matrix to achieve localized and sustained drug release; Ultra-deformability of Mtlip can pass through dense stratum corneum to the epidermis where melanoma is located; Virus-mimicking Mtlip enhances the payload in tumor tissues by high permeability; The positive charged Mtlip can improve cell uptake efficiency and selectively accumulate into mitochondria to increases toxic. The efficacy of this type of multistage targeted liposomes loaded hydrogel in treating melanoma was systematically evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Milk polar lipids composition and functionality: a systematic review

Polar lipids including glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids are important nutrients and milk is a major source, particularly for infants. This systematic review describes the human and bovine milk polar lipid composition, structural organization, sources for formulation, and physiological functionality. A total of 2840 records were retrieved through Scopus, 378 were included. Bovine milk is a good source of polar lipids, where yield and composition are highly dependent on the choice of dairy streams and processing. In milk, polar lipids are organized in the milk fat globule membrane as a tri-layer encapsulating triglyceride. The overall polar lipid concentration in human milk is dependent on many factors including lactational stage and maternal diet. Here, reasonable ranges were determined where possible. Similar for bovine milk, where differences in milk lipid concentration proved the largest factor determining variation. The role of milk polar lipids in human health has been demonstrated in several areas and critical review indicated that brain, immune and effects on lipid metabolism are best substantiated areas. Moreover, insights related to the milk fat globule membrane structure-function relation as well as superior activity of milk derived polar lipid compared to plant-derived sources are emerging areas of interest regarding future research and food innovations.

Safety and tolerance assessment of milk fat globule membrane-enriched infant formulas in healthy term Chinese infants: a randomised multicenter controlled trial

Background

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), natural to breast milk, is essential for neonatal development, but lacking from standard infant formulas.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of MFGM supplementation in formula for infants 0 to 12 months.

Methods

In a prospective, multicentre, double-blind, randomized trial, healthy term infants were randomized to a standard formula (SF, n = 104) or an MFGM-enriched formula (MF, n = 108) for 6 months and a corresponding follow-on formula until 12 months. Exclusively breast-fed infants (n = 206) were recruited as the reference group (BFR). Tolerance and safety events were recorded continuously. Anthropometric measurements were assessed at enrolment, 42 days and 4, 6, 8 and 12 months.

Results

Infants (n = 375) completed the study with average dropout of < 20%. Stool frequency, color, and consistency between SF and MF were not significantly different throughout, except the incidence of loose stools in MF at 6 months being lower than for SF (odds ratio 0.216, P < 0.05) and the frequency of green-colored stools at 12 months being higher in MF (CI 95%, odds ratio 8.92, P < 0.05). The BFR had a higher frequency of golden stools and lower rate of green stools (4–6 months) than the two formula-fed groups (P < 0.05). SF displayed more diarrhoea (4.8%) than MF (1%) and BFR (1%) at the 8-month visit (P < 0.05). BFR (0–1%) had significantly less (P < 0.05) lower respiratory infections than MF (4.6–6.5%) and SF (2.9–5.8%) at 6- and 8-months, respectively. Formula intake, frequency of spit-up/vomiting or poor sleep were similar between SF and MF. Growth rate (g/day) was similar at 4, 6, 8 and 12 months between the 3 groups, but growth rate for BFR was significantly higher than for SF and MF at 42 days (95% CI, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

MFGM-enriched formula was safe and well-tolerated in healthy term infants between 0 and 12 months, and total incidences of adverse events were similar to that for the SF group. A few differences in formula tolerance were observed, however these differences were not in any way related to poor growth.

Development and Application of Feature-Based Molecular Networking for Phospholipidomics Analysis

Phospholipids are small but critical lipids in milk. Conventional lipidomics is a powerful method for the analysis of lipids in milk. Although the number of lipidomics software has drastically increased over the past five years, reducing false positives and obtaining structurally accurate annotations of phospholipids remain a significant challenge. In this study, we developed a rapid and accurate method for measuring a wide spectrum of phospholipids in milk. The developed approach that employed information-dependent acquisition (IDA) mode and feature-based molecular networking has exhibited better performance on data processing and lipid annotation when compared with sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) and MS-DIAL. This validated method was further evaluated using three kinds of sheep milk. A total of 150 phospholipids were identified, including rarely reported phospholipids containing ethers or vinyl ethers. The result indicated that phospholipids could be used as potential markers to distinguish sheep milk from different varieties and origins. The experimental and computational methods provide a rapid and reliable method for the investigation of phospholipids in milk.

Brain – immune – gut benefits with early life supplementation of milk fat globule membrane

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has been recognized as a milk component for more than 60 years, but its exact benefits remain unknown. Research on human MFGM has revealed that the membrane holds a host of bioactive components with potential benefits for the brain–immune–gut (BiG) axis in early life. Gangliosides and sphingomyelin, components within the MFGM, have been included in infant formulas for many years. Recent advancements in dairy milk processing have allowed the successful separation of MFGM from bovine milk, enabling it to be used for supplementing infant formulas. Evidence indicates the potential benefits of MFGM in early life supplementation, including better cognitive development, reduction of infection risks, and modulation of the gut microbiome. However, larger and more robust randomized trials are needed, in addition to long‐term outcome data beyond the infancy period.

Advances in analysis, metabolism and mimicking of human milk lipids

Human milk lipids differ from the milk lipids of other mammals in composition and positional distribution of fatty acids. Analysis and detection technology of lipids is key to understanding milk lipids, and thus the concentrations, compositions and distribution characteristics of milk lipids are discussed. Differences between human milk lipids and their substitutes in form, composition and structure affect their digestion, absorption and function in infants. Characteristics and mimicking of human milk lipids have been intensively studied with the objective of narrowing the gap between human milk and infant formulae. Based on the existing achievements, further progress may be made by improving detection techniques, deepening knowledge of metabolic pathways and perfecting fat substitutes. This review detailed the characteristics of human milk lipids and related detection technologies with a view towards providing a clear direction for research on mimicking human milk lipids in formulae to further improve infant nutrition.

Functional dairy products as a source of bioactive peptides and probiotics: current trends and future prospectives

Milk is an incredibly healthy food world-wide. However, the 'lactase deficient' individuals cannot digest milk's carbohydrate lactose. A large part of the world population is depriving of highly beneficial milk proteins like casein, lactoalbumin, lactoglobulin, etc. due to lactose intolerance. Production of functional foods and bioactive peptides from milk with natural antioxidants and the addition of probiotics could be the best alternative to extend the use of milk functionalities. Among different probiotics, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) like Lactobacillus delbrueckii sub sp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and some species of Bifidobacteria and their metabolites (paraprobiotics and postbiotics) have been given more preference to add in milk-derived functional foods. These species are generally considered as heat-tolerant, highly proteolytic, and peptidolytic towards milk proteins and they liberate smaller molecules of bioactive peptides during fermentation and other processes that stimulate the enzyme lactase to help people in digestion of milk carbohydrate lactose. Moreover, the incorporation of natural antioxidants in yoghurt and other dairy products prevents the rancidity of milk fat. The level of bioactive peptides produced in milk-derived functional foods can be determined by capillary zone electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, fractionation, and other modern assessment techniques. Commercial production of functional probiotic products with bioactive peptides could significantly contribute to reduce milk spoilage, enhance health benefits as well as the growth of the agro-processing industry.

Human milk: From complex tailored nutrition to bioactive impact on child cognition and behavior

Human milk is a highly complex liquid food tailor-made to match an infant's needs. Beyond documented positive effects of breastfeeding on infant and maternal health, there is increasing evidence that milk constituents also impact child neurodevelopment. Non-nutrient milk bioactives would contribute to the (long-term) development of child cognition and behavior, a process termed 'Lactocrine Programming'. In this review we discuss the current state of the field on human milk composition and its links with child cognitive and behavioral development. To promote state-of-the-art methodologies and designs that facilitate data pooling and meta-analytic endeavors, we present detailed recommendations and best practices for future studies. Finally, we determine important scientific gaps that need to be filled to advance the field, and discuss innovative directions for future research. Unveiling the mechanisms underlying the links between human milk and child cognition and behavior will deepen our understanding of the broad functions of this complex liquid food, as well as provide necessary information for designing future interventions.

Beneficial Effects of Bovine Milk Exosomes in Metabolic Interorgan Cross-Talk

Extracellular vesicles are membrane-enclosed secreted vesicles involved in cell-to-cell communication processes, identified in virtually all body fluids. Among extracellular vesicles, exosomes have gained increasing attention in recent years as they have unique biological origins and deliver different cargos, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which might mediate various health processes. In particular, milk-derived exosomes are proposed as bioactive compounds of breast milk, which have been reported to resist gastric digestion and reach systemic circulation, thus being bioavailable after oral intake. In the present manuscript, we critically discuss the available evidence on the health benefits attributed to milk exosomes, and we provide an outlook for the potential future uses of these compounds. The use of milk exosomes as bioactive ingredients represents a novel avenue to explore in the context of human nutrition, and they might exert important beneficial effects at multiple levels, including but not limited to intestinal health, bone and muscle metabolism, immunity, modulation of the microbiota, growth, and development.

Latest Trend of Milk Derived Exosomes: Cargos, Functions, and Applications

Exosomes are nanosized phospholipid bilayer vesicles released to the extracellular environment. Exosomes from various tissues or cells are being studied and there has been a growing interest in milk exosomes research due to their emerging role as messengers between cells and the fact that it can be produced in large quantities with rich source of milk. Milk derived exosomes (MDEs) contain lipids, microRNAs, proteins, mRNAs as well as DNA. Studies of exosome cargo have been conducted widely in many research areas, especially exosomal miRNAs. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge in isolation and identification, cargos, functions mainly in intestinal tract and immunity system of MDEs. Its application as drug carriers and diseases biomarker are also discussed. Furthermore, we also consider critical challenges of MDEs application and provide possible directions for future research.

Identification and in silico characterization of structural and functional impacts of genetic variants in milk protein genes in the Zebu breeds Guzerat and Gyr

Whole genome sequencing of bovine breeds has allowed identification of genetic variants in milk protein genes. However, functional repercussion of such variants at a molecular level has seldom been investigated. Here, the results of a multistep Bioinformatic analysis for functional characterization of recently identified genetic variants in Brazilian Gyr and Guzerat breeds is described, including predicted effects on the following: (i) evolutionary conserved nucleotide positions/regions; (ii) protein function, stability, and interactions; (iii) splicing, branching, and miRNA binding sites; (iv) promoters and transcription factor binding sites; and (v) collocation with QTL. Seventy-one genetic variants were identified in the caseins (CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3), LALBA, LGB, and LTF genes. Eleven potentially regulatory variants and two missense mutations were identified. LALBA Ile60Val was predicted to affect protein stability and flexibility, by reducing the number the disulfide bonds established. LTF Thr546Asn is predicted to generate steric clashes, which could mildly affect iron coordination. In addition, LALBA Ile60Val and LTF Thr546Asn affect exonic splicing enhancers and silencers. Consequently, both mutations have the potential of affecting immune response at individual level, not only in the mammary gland. Although laborious, this multistep procedure for classifying variants allowed the identification of potentially functional variants for milk protein genes.

Dietary Sphingomyelin Metabolism and Roles in Gut Health and Cognitive Development

Sphingomyelin (SM) is a widely occurring sphingolipid that is a major plasma membrane constituent. Milk and dairy products are rich SM sources, and human milk has high SM content. Numerous studies have evaluated the roles of SM in maintaining cell membrane structure and cellular signal transduction. There has been a growing interest in exploring the role of dietary SM, especially from human milk, in imparting health benefits. This review focuses on recent publications regarding SM content in several dietary sources and dietary SM metabolism. SM digestion and absorption are slow and incomplete and mainly occur in the middle sections of the small intestine. This review also evaluates the effect of dietary SM on gut health and cognitive development. Studies indicate that SM may promote gut health by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption in adults. However, there has been a lack of data supporting clinical trials. An association between milk SM and neural development is evident before childhood. Hence, additional studies and well-designed randomized controlled trials that incorporate dietary SM evaluation, SM metabolism, and its long-term functions on infants and children are required.

Characterization of milk and soy phospholipid liposomes and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Milk phospholipids (PL) are valuable dairy components that appear to impart human health benefits, including improved cognitive function in infants and adults. The commercial food industry uses primarily plant-based sources of PL, such as soy lecithin. However, it remains unclear whether different compositions of PL from different dietary sources, such as milk, convey the same benefits. We hypothesized that PL derived from bovine milk or soy have differing physiological effects in terms of inflammation due to their differences in composition. The objectives of this study were to characterize milk and soy liposomes by their physicochemical properties and composition and to evaluate their effects in vitro by means of inflammatory gene expression analyses. Milk and soy phospholipid large unilamellar vesicles (MPL-LUV and SPL-LUV, respectively) prepared using thin-film hydration coupled with extrusion were similar in terms of structure, size, and stability; however, they differed significantly in composition. The 3T3-L1 adipocytes were selected for this work because adipocytes are the main site of uptake, synthesis, modification, and breakdown of lipids and are important inflammatory mediators in mammalian systems. In this work, these cells exposed to both liposome varieties showed high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL as measured by colorimetric MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Furthermore, SPL-LUV showed trends toward stimulating inflammation compared with MPL-LUV as measured by expression of 2 proinflammatory cytokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-6. Expression of MCP-1 significantly increased 1.82-fold relative to the control upon SPL-LUV treatment, with similar trends for IL-6 (increased 1.59-fold). The MPL-LUV showed relatively no change in cytokine expression. The results obtained in this work suggest that the methodology used to prepare LUV and the composition and proportion of milk PL are important in measuring cell physiology changes and inflammatory status in mammalian cells.

Milk fat globule membrane phospholipids modify adhesion of Lactobacillus to mucus-producing Caco-2/Goblet cells by altering the cell envelope

The importance of various Lactobacillus strains and milk components, such as the milk fat globule membrane, has been studied from various perspectives and proven to have a positive role in human health. On one end, lactic acid bacteria produce metabolites with direct effect in the immune system, changes of pH in the gut, and antagonistic substances for pathogenic bacteria as well as competition. On the other end, the milk fat globule membrane improves gastrointestinal status by promoting cell proliferation, epithelial tight junction patterns, and development of intestinal epithelial cells. Interaction between beneficial bacteria and milk fat is a natural occurring phenomenon in dairy products; however, it has not been fully characterized. In this work, we studied the effect of milk phospholipids in the adhesion of Lactobacillus to mucus-producing Caco-2/Goblet cell co-cultures and found that treatment with phospholipids produced bacterial cells with increased surface electronegativity, which was correlated with increased bacterial cells adhered to the intestinal model. Moreover, we utilized an original means of characterizing the adhesion using quartz crystal microbalance. All strains studied, experienced modification of adhesion either physicochemical or kinetic parameters studied. Furthermore, by imaging bacterial cells by electron microscopy, we identified that some strains, such as L. acidophillus and L. casei, metabolized MPL, which improved their adhesion to hydrophilic surfaces such as gold. We identified another group of bacteria, such as L. delbrueckii and L. plantarum, that, instead of metabolizing MPL, kept the phospholipids bound irreversibly to the surface of the cell envelope thus decreasing their adherence to gold surfaces. One of the most important aspects of probiotic lactic acid bacteria -besides survival in the stomach-is the colonization and extended resident time in the intestine to effectively change the gut microbiome. We found that bacterial treatment with milk phospholipids enhances adhesion to intestinal models and will in turn, increase the residence time with the concomitant benefits to the consumer.

Bioactive Compounds in Infant Formula and Their Effects on Infant Nutrition and Health: A Systematic Literature Review

Infant formulas are an alternative to replace or supplement human milk when breastfeeding is not possible. The knowledge of human milk's bioactive compounds and their beneficial effects has attracted the interest of researchers in the field of infant nutrition, as well as researchers of technology and food sciences that seek to improve the nutritional characteristics of infant formulas. Several scientific studies evaluate the optimization of infant formula composition. The bioactive compound inclusion has been used to upgrade the quality and nutrition of infant formulas. In this context, the purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the scientific evidence of bioactive compounds present in infant formulas (α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, taurine, milk fat globule membrane, folates, polyamines, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics) and their effects on infant nutrition and health. Through previously determined criteria, studies published in the last fifteen years from five different databases were included to identify the advances in the optimization of infant formula composition. Over the last few years, there has been optimization of the infant formula composition, not only to increase the similarities in their content of macro and micronutrients but also to include novel bioactive ingredients with potential health benefits for infants. Although the infant food industry has advanced in the last years, there is no consensus on whether novel bioactive ingredients added to infant formulas have the same functional effects as the compounds found in human milk. Thus, further studies about the impact of bioactive compounds in infant nutrition are fundamental to infant health.

Invited review: Milk fat globule membrane-A possible panacea for neurodevelopment, infections, cardiometabolic diseases, and frailty

Milk is an evolutionary benefit for humans. For infants, it offers optimal nutrients for normal growth, neural development, and protection from harmful microbes. Humans are the only mammals who drink milk throughout their life. Lipids in colostrum originate mostly from milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) droplets extruded from the mammary gland. The MFGM gained much interest as a potential nutraceutical, due to their high phospholipid (PL), ganglioside (GD), and protein contents. In this review, we focused on health effects of MFGM ingredients and dairy food across the life span, especially on neurodevelopment, cardiometabolic health, and frailty in older adults. The MFGM supplements to infants and children reduced gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections and improved neurodevelopment due to the higher content of protein, PL, and GD in MFGM. The MFGM formulas containing PL and GD improved brain myelination and fastened nerve conduction speed, resulting in improved behavioral developments. Administration of MFGM-rich ingredients improved insulin sensitivity and decreased inflammatory markers, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides by lowering intestinal absorption of cholesterol and increasing its fecal excretion. The MFGM supplements, together with exercise, improved ambulatory activities, leg muscle mass, and muscle fiber velocity in older adults. There are great variations in the composition of lipids and proteins in MFGM products, which make comparisons of the different studies impossible. In addition, investigations of the individual MFGM components are required to evaluate their specific effects and molecular mechanisms. Although we are currently only beginning to understand the possible health effects of MFGM products, the current MFGM supplementation trials as presented in this review have shown significant clinical health benefits across the human life span, which are worth further investigation.

Breast Milk: A Source of Functional Compounds with Potential Application in Nutrition and Therapy

Breast milk is an unbeatable food that covers all the nutritional requirements of an infant in its different stages of growth up to six months after birth. In addition, breastfeeding benefits both maternal and child health. Increasing knowledge has been acquired regarding the composition of breast milk. Epidemiological studies and epigenetics allow us to understand the possible lifelong effects of breastfeeding. In this review we have compiled some of the components with clear functional activity that are present in human milk and the processes through which they promote infant development and maturation as well as modulate immunity. Milk fat globule membrane, proteins, oligosaccharides, growth factors, milk exosomes, or microorganisms are functional components to use in infant formulas, any other food products, nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, or even for the development of new clinical therapies. The clinical evaluation of these compounds and their commercial exploitation are limited by the difficulty of isolating and producing them on an adequate scale. In this work we focus on the compounds produced using milk components from other species such as bovine, transgenic cattle capable of expressing components of human breast milk or microbial culture engineering.

Potential Mechanisms Linking Food-Derived MicroRNAs, Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Barrier Functions in the Context of Nutrition and Human Health

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNA molecules from 18 to 24 nucleotides that are produced by prokaryote and eukaryote organisms, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression through binding to their mRNA targets. MiRNAs have acquired special attention for their potential in cross kingdom communication, notably food-derived microRNAs (xenomiRs), which could have an impact on microorganism and mammal physiology. In this review, we mainly aim to deal with new perspectives on: (1) The mechanism by which food-derived xenomiRs (mainly dietary plant xenomiRs) could be incorporated into humans through diet, in a free form, associated with proteins or encapsulated in exosome-like nanoparticles. (2) The impact of dietary plant-derived miRNAs in modulating gut microbiota composition, which in turn, could regulate intestinal barrier permeability and therefore, affect dietary metabolite, postbiotics or food-derived miRNAs uptake efficiency. Individual gut microbiota signature/composition could be also involved in xenomiR uptake efficiency through several mechanisms such us increasing the bioavailability of exosome-like nanoparticles miRNAs. (3) Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been proposed to contribute to disease development by affecting gut epithelial barrier permeability. For his reason, the availability and uptake of dietary plant xenomiRs might depend, among other factors, on this microbiota-related permeability of the intestine. We hypothesize and critically review that xenomiRs-microbiota interaction, which has been scarcely explored yet, could contribute to explain, at least in part, the current disparity of evidences found dealing with dietary miRNA uptake and function in humans. Furthermore, dietary plant xenomiRs could be involved in the establishment of the multiple gut microenvironments, in which microorganism would adapt in order to optimize the resources and thrive in them. Additionally, a particular xenomiR could preferentially accumulate in a specific region of the gastrointestinal tract and participate in the selection and functions of specific gut microbial communities.

Improving Human Health with Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Lactic Acid Bacteria, and Bifidobacteria

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), the component that surrounds fat globules in milk, and its constituents have gained significant attention for their gut function, immune-boosting properties, and cognitive-development roles. The MFGM can directly interact with probiotic bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), through interactions with bacterial surface proteins. With these interactions in mind, increasing evidence supports a synergistic effect between MFGM and probiotics to benefit human health at all ages. This important synergy affects the survival and adhesion of probiotic bacteria through gastrointestinal transit, mucosal immunity, and neurocognitive behavior in developing infants. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the co-supplementation of MFGM and probiotics with a specific emphasis on their interactions and colocalization in dairy foods, supporting in vivo and clinical evidence, and current and future potential applications.

Synergistic Effects of Milk-Derived Exosomes and Galactose on α-Synuclein Pathology in Parkinson's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Epidemiological studies associate milk consumption with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). PD is an α-synucleinopathy associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, deficient lysosomal clearance of α-synuclein (α-syn) and aggregation of misfolded α-syn. In T2D, α-syn promotes co-aggregation with islet amyloid polypeptide in pancreatic β-cells. Prion-like vagal nerve-mediated propagation of exosomal α-syn from the gut to the brain and pancreatic islets apparently link both pathologies. Exosomes are critical transmitters of α-syn from cell to cell especially under conditions of compromised autophagy. This review provides translational evidence that milk exosomes (MEX) disturb α-syn homeostasis. MEX are taken up by intestinal epithelial cells and accumulate in the brain after oral administration to mice. The potential uptake of MEX miRNA-148a and miRNA-21 by enteroendocrine cells in the gut, dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and pancreatic β-cells may enhance miRNA-148a/DNMT1-dependent overexpression of α-syn and impair miRNA-148a/PPARGC1A- and miRNA-21/LAMP2A-dependent autophagy driving both diseases. MiRNA-148a- and galactose-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress activate c-Abl-mediated aggregation of α-syn which is exported by exosome release. Via the vagal nerve and/or systemic exosomes, toxic α-syn may spread to dopaminergic neurons and pancreatic β-cells linking the pathogenesis of PD and T2D.

Invited review: Acid whey trends and health benefits

In recent years, acid whey production has increased due to a growing demand for Greek yogurt and acid-coagulated cheeses. Acid whey is a dairy by-product for which the industry has long struggled to find a sustainable application. Bulk amounts of acid whey associated with the dairy industry have led to increasing research on ways to valorize it. Industry players are finding ways to use acid whey on-site with ultrafiltration techniques and biodigesters, to reduce transportation costs and provide energy for the facility. Academia has sought to further investigate practical uses and benefits of this by-product. Although modern research has shown many other possible applications for acid whey, no comprehensive review yet exists about its composition, utilization, and health benefits. In this review, the industrial trends, the applications and uses, and the potential health benefits associated with the consumption of acid whey are discussed. The proximal composition of acid whey is discussed in depth. In addition, the potential applications of acid whey, such as its use as a starting material in the production of fermented beverages, as growth medium for cultivation of lactic acid bacteria in replacement of commercial media, and as a substrate for the isolation of lactose and minerals, are reviewed. Finally, the potential health benefits of the major protein constituents of acid whey, bioactive phospholipids, and organic acids such as lactic acid are described. Acid whey has promising applications related to potential health benefits, ranging from antibacterial effects to cognitive development for babies to human gut health.

The Role of Early Programming and Early Nutrition on the Development and Progression of Celiac Disease: A Review

Experimental and epidemiological evidence has shown that modifications of the intrauterine environment can have deleterious consequences for individuals, expressed as an increased risk of suffering non-communicable pathologies in adult life, which is known as the hypothesis of the early origin of diseases or fetal programming. On the other hand, changes in gene expression patterns through epigenetic modifications can be the basis for long-term maintenance of the effects of fetal programming. In this sense, epigenetics comprises the study of intrauterine disturbances, which develop diseases in the adult, including celiac disease (CD). In addition, early feeding practices could influence the risk of CD development, such as breastfeeding timing and duration and age of gluten introduction in the diet. Gluten acts as a trigger for CD in genetically predisposed subjects, although approximately 30% of the world population has HLA DQ2 or DQ8, the prevalence of the disease is only 1–3%. It is not known what factors act to modify the risk of disease in genetically at-risk subjects. Taking into account all these considerations, the aim of the current review is to elucidate the role of early programming and the effect of early nutrition on the development and progression of CD. It is logical that attention has been paid to gluten as a key element in preventing the disease. However, there is no strong evidence in favor of the protective factor of breastfeeding, timing of introduction of gluten during lactation, and the development of CD. Diet, genetic risk, microbiota, and environmental interaction are possible triggers of the change in tolerance to an immune response to gluten, but large-scale cohort studies are needed. Emerging scientific concepts, such as epigenetics, may help us establish the role of these factors.

Dietary lipids and cardiometabolic health: a new vision of structure-activity relationship

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The impact of dietary lipids on cardiometabolic health was mainly studied considering their fatty acid composition. This review aims to present the recent change in paradigm whereby the food matrix, the molecular and supramolecular structures of dietary lipids modulate their digestive fate and cardiometabolic impact.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological studies have reported that the metabolic impact of full-fat dairy products is better than predictable upon saturated fatty acid richness. Milk polar lipid supplementation reduced adiposity and inflammation in rodents by modulating gut microbiota and barrier, and decreased lipid markers of cardiovascular disease risk in humans by lowering cholesterol absorption. The metabolic importance of the structure of lipid molecules carrying omega-3 (molecular carrier) has also been documented. Plant lipids exhibit specific assemblies, membrane and molecular structures with potential health benefits. Lipid emulsifiers used to stabilize fats in processed foods are not mere bystanders of lipid effects and can induce both beneficial and adverse health effects.

SUMMARY

These findings open new clinical research questions aiming to further characterize the cardiometabolic fate of lipids, from digestion to bioactive metabolites, according to the food source or molecular carrier. This should be useful to elaborate food formulations for target populations and personalized dietary recommendations.

Effect of milk phospholipids on the growth and cryotolerance of lactic acid bacteria cultured and stored in acid whey-based media

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Acidification activity is retained by adding milk phospholipids to acid whey-based medium

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Retention of activity (as rate of lactic acid production) is relevant to cryoprotection studies

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Acid whey from cottage cheese production is a good medium for preserving frozen cultures

Increasing interest in foods beyond their nutritional value has promoted the development of various novel functional foods that could convey multiple health benefits to consumers. The application of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and milk phospholipids (MPL) in combination has shown some amplifying effects on the health benefits provided by both ingredients. Freezing is commonly used in LAB preservation and storage. However, the freezing/thawing process damages cell membranes and leads to a loss in viability and functionality of LAB. This study aimed to investigate the influence of MPL on growth and cryotolerance of LAB using acid whey-based medium (AWM) supplemented with 0.5% MPL. Fourteen LAB strains were initially screened from 124 LAB using acid whey-based medium (AW). We then evaluated the cell viability and acidification ability, using the plate counting method and skim milk fermentation test, respectively, of the 14 strains cultured in AW and AWM before and after 3 cycles of freezing/thawing. The presence of 0.5% MPL in AWM significantly promoted the growth of LAB. Supplementing the culture and storage medium with 0.5% MPL significantly enhanced the resistance of selected LAB to freeze-thaw cycles in terms of cell viability and acidification ability. These results suggest that supplementing with 0.5% MPL might promote the growth of LAB and enhance the cryotolerance of LAB cultures in fermented dairy products. This finding leads to a better understanding of the synergistic effects contributed by the LAB–MPL combination and promotes the development of new LAB–MPL functional products.