Friesland Campina launches DHA and ARA encapsulated ingredients

FrieslandCampina Ingredients has announced a significant extension of its Vana-Sana range of high-quality micro-encapsulated long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) ingredients for infant milk formula (IMF).

These introductions make FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ encapsulated LCPUFA portfolio one of the industry’s largest.

Directly responding to the demands of today’s parents and care providers, Vana-Sana DHA algae 20L, Vana-Sana ARA 20L and Vana-Sana DHA algae 11N boast cleaner labels, because dipotassium phosphate (a buffering agent) and silicon dioxide (a flow agent) have been eliminated from their production. As well as this, they contain no fish-derived oils and ensure superb sensory properties thanks to their advanced micro-encapsulation process. Benefits to IMF producers include easier storage and handling, improved stability and longer shelf life, even at ambient temperatures.

The primary new additions to the range, Vana-Sana DHA algae 20L and Vana-Sana ARA 20L, feature remarkably high oil loads, with 20g DHA and 20g ARA respectively per 100g of powder – almost double the typical concentrations of comparable ingredients. This means formulators can offer more of the benefits of LCPUFAs in their products without extending ingredient labels or significantly increasing ingredient volumes. In addition, both these ingredients are encapsulated in a lactose powder matrix instead of a glucose one.

Now with the launch of these latest DHA and ARA ingredients, manufacturers can fortify their products with an even higher concentration of LCPUFAs and ensure more sustainable on-pack credentials

This is a significant advantage: lactose is a natural milk sugar commonly used in infant milk formulas, whereas glucose is often regarded as ‘added sugar’ and should comply with strict local legislation. FrieslandCampina Ingredients is the first to commercially launch encapsulated DHA and ARA ingredients based on lactose, allowing customers to improve their recipe formulations. The lactose is derived from milk supplied by FrieslandCampina’s own member farmers.

Micro-encapsulating oils within a powder matrix protects them against oxidation, makes them much easier to handle and provides increased formulation flexibility. FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ advanced micro-encapsulation procedure utilises GEA FILTERMAT technology, which features a mild drying process. This protects both the stability and the sensorial and nutritional qualities of the oils. Thanks to these characteristics, infant milk formula producers can benefit from easier processing and storage over a product’s shelf life, enabling more efficient, flexible and cost-effective manufacturing.

The launches come as consumers become more aware of the health benefits of DHA and ARA, particularly in the first 1,000 days of life – from conception until two years old. Both DHA and ARA are present in breast milk, but synthesis is limited in infants, meaning dietary intake is crucial. It has been described that DHA plays a key role in brain development2 and may improve neurocognitive outcomes in infants. It is also acknowledged for supporting the normal development of visual function. In combination with ARA, DHA has also been shown to have a positive effect on immune development and function.

“When it comes to choosing the right ingredients to add to infant milk formula, DHA and ARA are understandably at the top of the list for their important health benefits. But they can be difficult to formulate while preserving their sensory and nutritional profile,” said Marischa Nikkels, Marketing Manager at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “Now with the launch of these latest DHA and ARA ingredients, manufacturers can fortify their products with an even higher concentration of LCPUFAs and ensure more sustainable on-pack credentials. Micro-encapsulation is also a win-win for consumers – with no off-tastes or bad odours, parents can have the peace of mind that they’re providing one of the best infant milk formulas for their babies.”