Lactoferrin giant DMV International, part of Dutch milk firm Campina, announced this week that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its milk derived Lactoferrin Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. Based on the documentation provided by DMV and safety data provided by Morinaga Milk Industries, the FDA indicated that it had no questions at this time, regarding DMV's conclusion that milk derived Lactoferrin is GRAS for its intended use as an ingredient in sports and functional foods. Lactoferrin is a bioactive milk protein, which plays a role in the body's defence against micro-organisms. Published studies show between others that Lactoferrin can modulate the immune response and affect the micro flora in the gastrointestinal tract. Ram Nimmagguda, Director R&D Nutritionals at DMV commented, "We are very pleased to have obtained GRAS status for milk derived Lactoferrin, as it offers new application possibilities for our customers. The American food industry is very eager to produce foods with health benefits in order to respond to customer search for better nutrition and increased wellbeing. Obtaining GRAS approval is a result of our continuing efforts in supporting new applications for Lactoferrin, such as the recently announced use of Lactoferrin for food safety."
