Milk product may prevent colds, Covid-19

Australian dairy processor Noumi has partnered the Hunter Medical Research Institute at the University of Newcastle to investigate whether a milk protein could help prevent COVID-19 and the common cold.

Scientist Sonja Kukuljan, who works for Noumi, said the milk protein lactoferrin was discovered more than 80 years ago and “today’s research is focusing more on looking at lactoferrin and its response to specific viruses like coronavirus and other common cold-causing viruses.” 

Lactoferrin has been studied many times for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s used in infant milk formula, skincare products, protein powder and therapeutic supplements, including iron.

The protein is found in both human and cow’s milk.

Dr Kukuljan said consuming lactoferrin helped to boost the body’s immune system to fight and defend against viral respiratory diseases.

“Lactoferrin attaches to the virus so it can’t attach to the cell,” she said.

“If the virus does attach to the cell, lactoferrin then binds with bits on the human cell, which means the carrier to the virus can’t get it in the cell.”

Researchers involved in the study are developing multiple ways for the protein to be ingested, including a nasal spray.

“We are working to show that a little bit of extra lactoferrin a day, taken in food or as a capsule, whatever suits the consumer, actually helps to further boost the body’s immune system,” Dr Kukuljan said.

 

Noumi’s chief executive Michael Perich said investing in alternate and innovative milk products is crucial to survival in the dairy industry and said using lactoferrin or “pink gold” is a significant opportunity.

The protein was usually a waste product in milk and could be sold for up to $1,100 per kilogram.

“Protein is always surplus generally in dairy milk,” he said, so “it was an opportunity for us to look at how do we take some of those protein fractionation and put them into other products to deliver them in the other forms for Australian consumers to look for.”