Alpha-lactalbumin - Medical Nutrition

Alpha-lactalbumin – for management of oxidative stressAlpha-lactalbumin is rich in essential and conditionally essential amino acids and is a dominant protein in human milk. It is suitable for a variety of medical nutrition applications such as UHT drinks, bars and powders. Alpha-lactalbumin is a particularly rich source of the amino acids tryptophan and cysteine. Of these two, cysteine stands out as a rate-limiting amino acid for the formation of glutathione (GSH) – an antioxidant known to minimize oxidative stress in the human body.  There is increasing evidence from experimental and clinical studies that oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of both types of diabetes mellitus. Free radicals are formed disproportionately in diabetes by glucose oxidation, non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, and the subsequent oxidative degradation of glycated proteins. Abnormally high levels of free radicals and the simultaneous decline of antioxidant defence mechanisms can lead to damage of cellular organelles and enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation and development of insulin resistance. The consequences of oxidative stress can promote the development of diabetes mellitus complications. Other potential areas of use are relaxation and sleep.