Clinical applications of bioactive milk components

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Translational Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Milk is a rich source of bioactive molecules with clinical benefits.
• Milk components play roles in development and immunity.
• Numerous milk-derived compounds show therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the translation of milk-derived compounds into clinical therapies.
• To highlight the potential of lactoferrin, transforming growth factor β, and milk glycans.
• To discuss the use of human and bovine milk components in clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of the therapeutic applications of specific milk components.
• Examination of the translation pathway for milk-derived compounds.

Main Results:

• Lactoferrin shows antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-cancer adjuvant properties.
• Transforming growth factor β in enteric formulas promotes remission in pediatric Crohn's disease.
• Milk glycans, including human milk oligosaccharides, exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies.

Conclusions:

• Milk-derived compounds offer promising therapeutic applications in various diseases.
• Both human and bovine milk provide valuable bioactive compounds for clinical use.
• A common pathway exists for translating milk-derived compounds into clinical therapies.