MFGM benefits: from immunity to cognitive health
Welcoming a new baby is a cause for celebration, but it also comes with new concerns for many parents and caregivers. Everyday viruses can have a big impact on infants during their earliest, most vulnerable months. Parents report more immune-related symptoms than any other type of health concern during the first year of life. It’s no surprise that infant immune health remains a top priority.
Innova Market Insights & RFC, Early Life Nutrition survey, 2020.
At the same time, early life is equally crucial for infant cognitive development, as they start to explore the world and begin social interactions. By age three, a child’s brain reaches 80% of its adult volume.
Nelson, C. A. (2000). Neural plasticity and human development: The role of early experience in sculpting memory systems. Developmental Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7687.00104
This intense period of brain development places growing emphasis on providing the right nutritional and environmental support in the earliest years. Parents are increasingly focused on supporting this rapid brain growth, with 56% of parents worldwide expressing concerns about their baby’s cognitive health.
When breastfeeding isn’t possible and parents choose to feed their children with infant formula, expectations are higher than ever. Understandably, they want formulas that demonstrably support their key health priorities for their babies. They also want clarity – science-backed ingredients, transparent labels and meaningful differentiation when making important choices about their children’s nutrition.
Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a standout ingredient in infant nutrition. It is well-established in the category and emerging research continues to highlight its potential to support infant immune health and cognitive development. In this blog, we explore the latest science behind MFGM’s benefits and how leveraging this powerful ingredient can help infant formula brands deliver added value – and stand out in a competitive landscape.
What is MFGM ?
Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a natural, bioactive layer that surrounds fat globules in human and animal milk. Whey-derived MFGM ingredients are created through gentle processing of pasteurised cheese whey, preserving key functional components. It delivers a rich mix of bioactive proteins and lipids, including IgG, lactoferrin, phospholipids and gangliosides. These MFGM components are known for their benefits, playing roles in immune support, cognitive development and gut function.
Today, MFGM is widely used in infant formula and is gaining traction in toddler milks and even functional foods for adults. Its expanding use reflects a growing understanding of MFGM’s benefits for brain and immune health across life stages.
What are the benefits of MFGM?
MFGM and Infant immune health?
A bank of evidence shows that whey-based MFGM ingredients support immune function. For example, clinical studies in infants found a link with reduced prevalence of diarrhoea
N. Zavaleta et al., “Efficacy of a Complementary Food Enriched with a Milk Fat Globule Membrane Protein Fraction on Diarrhea, Anemia and Micronutrient Status in Infants,” Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2011.
and reduced episodes of middle ear infection.
N. Timby et al., “Infections in infants fed formula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes,” Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2015.
And now, our latest pre-clinical study found that MFGM-enriched whey significantly reduced infection rates of RSV in vitro.
E. Kramer et al., “MFGM-enriched whey displays antiviral activity against common pediatric viruses in vitro,” Nutritional Immunology, vol. 11, 2024.
The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, backs up previous studies with MFGM-enriched formula demonstrating reduced respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in formula fed infants.
What makes these findings particularly compelling is how MFGM could potentially work against multiple viruses. Results showed that MFGM-enriched whey demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition for RSV and rotavirus infection in vitro, compared to its whey protein isolate (WPI) counterpart. Against rotavirus – one of the most common causes of severe gastroenteritis in young children – MFGM showed significant protective effects. The ingredient inhibited infection at concentrations as low as 0.063 mg/ml, and worked against two different rotavirus strains, including the globally dominant human strain.
For RSV, which is a leading cause of lower respiratory infections in infants, MFGM-enriched whey again demonstrated superior performance. The study found dose-dependent inhibition starting at 0.2 mg/ml, with the effect becoming more pronounced at higher concentrations. This is particularly relevant given that RSV can cause complications, especially in premature infants and those with compromised immune systems. Although more research is needed, these findings provide important insights on how MFGM could help.
MFGM and lactoferrin benefits
What if we could combine MFGM with lactoferrin to deliver even more health benefits? One noteworthy study found that the two ingredients together resulted in a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea.
Li, F., Wu, S. S., Berseth, C. L., Harris, C. L., Richards, J. D., Wampler, J. L., Zhuang, W., Cleghorn, G., Rudolph, C. D., Liu, B., Shaddy, D. J., & Colombo, J. (2019). Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.08.030
It also found that infants receiving formula with added MFGM and lactoferrin had an accelerated neurodevelopmental profile at day 365 and improved language at day 545.
Li F, Wu SS, Berseth CL, Harris CL, Richards JD, Wampler JL, Zhuang W, Cleghorn G, Rudolph CD, Liu B, Shaddy DJ, Colombo J. Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Pediatr. 2019 Dec;215:24-31.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.08.030. Epub 2019 Oct 24. PMID: 31668885.
MFGM and infant cognitive development
MFGM contains a range of bioactive lipids that play a key role in supporting early brain development. Research increasingly highlights its potential to enhance cognitive outcomes, helping infants reach important developmental milestones during the first year of life.
Timby, N., Domellöf, E., Hernell, O., Lönnerdal, B., & Domellöf, M. (2014). Neurodevelopment, nutrition, and growth until 12 mo of age in infants fed a low-energy, low-proteinformula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.064295
For example, adding MFGM to infant nutrition may enhance learning, memory, and overall brain development during the critical early months of life.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that MFGM supplementation was significantly linked to improved cognitive development, including executive function.
Thongseiratch, T., Kittisakmontri, K., & Chandeying, N. (2024). Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation and Neurocognitive Development: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142374.
Another study found a link between MFGM and enhanced brain myelination – an important neurodevelopmental process. This reinforces its role in supporting learning, memory and overall cognitive development in young children.
Deoni, S., Beauchemin, J., & D’Sa, V. (2025). Enhanced brain myelination and cognitive development in young children associated with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) intake: a temporal cohort study.. Brain structure & function, 230 4, 52 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-025-02907-7.
Differentiating infant formulas with MFGM
Infant formula remains the leading subcategory in the baby food segment, accounting for approximately 72% of the total baby food category value worldwide, despite a small decline in 2024.
Euromonitor, 2024.
But parents are increasingly discerning when it comes to their infant formula choices, looking for functional ingredients backed by robust clinical evidence. Transparency and naturally derived ingredients are top priorities when choosing infant nutrition for their little ones, as well as proven health support.
MFGM addresses these concerns with its natural, milk-derived origin and well-documented benefits – supporting immune health, cognitive development and potentially more. This combination of science-backed functionality and clear, traceable sourcing resonates with parents willing to invest in effective and premium products. For brands, highlighting MFGM benefits offers an opportunity to differentiate infant formulas through multi-benefit positioning, blending credible health propositions with trusted ingredient sourcing to stand out in a competitive market.
MFGM benefits: building blocks for a bright future
The science is stacking up on the role of MFGM – it’s become known as a powerhouse for infant immune health and cognitive development. But MFGM benefits don’t stop there. Emerging evidence also suggests additional benefits, such as improved nutrient absorption and enhanced lipid digestion, highlighting its broader potential in infant nutrition.
Li, Z., Liu, A., Cao, Y., Zhou, H., Shen, Q., Wu, S., & Luo, J. (2024). Milk fat globule membrane proteins are crucial in regulating lipid digestion during simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion.. Journal of dairy science. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-24707.
With a growing focus on understanding interconnected health outcomes, we’re recognising that optimal nutrition for infants can influence long-term development and well-being. Ensuring infants have the right nutrition like MFGM in the early years may provide benefits later in childhood too
Raza, G., Herzig, K., & Leppäluoto, J. (2021). Invited review: Milk fat globule membrane-A possible panacea for neurodevelopment, infections, cardiometabolic diseases, and frailty.. Journal of dairy science. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19649.
– although more research is needed. Continued investment in evidence-based research remains essential for advancing infant nutrition and delivering trusted, science-backed solutions that help babies thrive.
Explore the benefits of MFGM from FrieslandCampina Ingredients
Discover how our MFGM ingredient, rich in bioactive proteins and lipids, supports key aspects of early life growth and development. With a robust bank of evidence behind it, MFGM offers a science-backed way to enhance the nutritional profile of infant and young child formulas.
Explore FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ early life nutrition offering.
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What are the health benefits of MFGM?
MFGM plays a potential role in infant cognitive development
Timby, N., Domellöf, M., Lönnerdal, B., & Hernell, O. (2017). Supplementation of infant formula with bovine milk fat globule membranes. In Advances in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.014142.
. Clinical studies have shown that consumption of a formula supplemented with MFGM improved cognitive performance in infants
Li, F., Wu, S. S., Berseth, C. L., Harris, C. L., Richards, J. D., Wampler, J. L., Zhuang, W., Cleghorn, G., Rudolph, C. D., Liu, B., Shaddy, D. J., & Colombo, J. (2019). Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Associated with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane and Lactoferrin in Infant Formula: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.08.030
Timby, N., Domellöf, E., Hernell, O., Lönnerdal, B., & Domellöf, M. (2014). Neurodevelopment, nutrition, and growth until 12 mo of age in infants fed a low-energy, low-proteinformula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.064295
. Clinical studies have also found that infant formula supplemented with MFGM may have beneficial effects on infant immune function
Li, X., Peng, Y., Li, Z., Christensen, B., Heckmann, A. B., Stenlund, H., Lönnerdal, B., & Hernell, O. (2019). Feeding Infants Formula With Probiotics or Milk Fat Globule Membrane: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2019.00347
Timby, N., Hernell, O., Vaarala, O., Melin, M., Lönnerdal, B., & Domellöf, M. (2015). Infections in infants fed formula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000000624
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Why choose MFGM from FrieslandCampina Ingredients?
Vivinal® MFGM offers preservation of the bioactive components that are part of MFGM in a whey protein concentrate. Vivinal® MFGM is ideal for use in dry-blend application, where the final formula can also benefit from keeping these bioactive components intact.
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