FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Davisco Foods International, Advitech Solutions Join Forces to Produce Whey Protein Hydrolyzates
LE SUEUR, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1998-
Whey Protein Hydrolyzates Reduce Allergens, Aids Digestion and Absorption of Proteins
Davisco Foods International, the $350 million milk processing and food ingredients company headquartered here and Advitech Solutions, Inc. a Vanier, Quebec, CANADA-based bio-technology company have joined forces to produce whey protein hydrolyzates for use as ingredients in nutritional supplements, infant formulas, sports drinks, and meal substitutes for weight reduction programs.
According to Marty Davis, general manager of Davisco Foods International, the leader in the production of whey protein isolates worldwide with facilities in Jerome, ID, Lake Norden, SD and Le Sueur, "The joint venture between Davisco and Advitech means that we can increase the range of whey protein hydrolyzate ingredients for a variety of nutraceutical applications. Hydrolyzed proteins allow us to reduce the allergenic potential that exists in whey protein isolates by as much as 20 percent. This is particularly important for the millions of people around the world who suffer from food allergies."
For infants, some pediatricians already prescribe whey protein hydrolyzate-based milk formulas to children who suffer from chronic diarrheas, allergies or colics. "We expect upwards of 30 per cent of all nutritionally-driven, milk based formulas sold worldwide will have some hydrolyzates within their system," Davis says. "This represents a substantial increase in our incremental business here and overseas."
Renaud Beauchesne, president and chairman of Advitech Solutions, added: "Based on all our research, whey protein hydrolyzates could become one of the most significant food additive of the next decade.
PUREST FORM OF PROTEIN
"Whey protein isolates are an extremely pure and valuable form of protein which are made up of various peptide chains," said Davis, who oversees the research, technology and production of whey protein isolates for sport drinks, low-fat cheeses, yogurts, skincare products and infant formulas. "They are highly nutritional in value, containing essential amino acids within these peptides. They also offer great benefits for functionality in food applications including emulsification, gelation, foaming, and water binding."
Whey protein hydrolyzate is an ingredient prepared from milk protein (whey proteins), using a controlled enzymatic hydrolysis process to produce a food grade enzymatic hydrolyzates. Hydrolysis is a chemical process where an enzyme is used to break the peptide bonds of a protein, resulting in smaller molecular derivatives called polypeptides and peptides.
Davisco Foods International starts with highly-purified whey proteins and uses a very specific and controlled enzymatic reaction so that the peptide bond between the amino acids, arginine and lysine, are hydrolyzed. This controlled hydrolysis produces whey protein hydrolyzates that have unique functional and nutritional properties for such applications as: foods for athletes, geriatric products, enteral formulas, milk formulas, protein supplements and meal substitutes for weight reduction plans.
According to Renaud Beauchesne, president and chairman of Advitech Solutions, the advantages of enzymatic whey protein hydrolyzates for food, beverage and other nutraceutical products are:
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Enzymatic hydrolysis improves digestibility and the intestinal absorption of proteins while reducing their allergenic potential
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Enzymatic hydrolysis allows for the modification of functional properties including solubility, emulsion, foam/gel of proteins without effecting their nutritional quality
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Enzymatic hydrolysis is the essential step for obtaining bioactive peptides contained in many food proteins. For example, milk proteins (whey protein isolates) are rich in peptides possessing opioid, immunomodulating, antihypertensive and antithrombotic which are released through the process
APPLICATIONS FOR SENIORS, ATHLETES AND THE OVERWEIGHT
"Whey protein hydrolyzates have a number of nutritional applications for seniors and the elderly, many of whom have difficulties getting enough protein in their diets," Marty Davis explained. "Whey protein hydrolyzates will be used as a key ingredient in powdered meal substitutes, nutritional bars, drinks, puddings and can even be produced in tablets or capsules."
For athletes, studies have demonstrated that the ingestion of peptide-based beverages, during or after exercise, allows that improvement of nitrogen balance and consequently reduces catabolism (degradation) of the muscles. During an endurance exercise like running or cycling, the glycogen reserves in an athlete become spent and the lipids are then used as a source of energy, which leads to the appearance of muscle fatigue. After a while, the body reaches a state where muscle protein is used for energy, leading to a significant weakening of the athlete's body. Whey protein hydrolyzates will help combat this problem by increasing the amount of proteins needed by endurance and strength athletes.
The philosophy of weight reduction plans are based on the hypothesis that if eating doesn't fill their energy needs (calories), the body's fat reserves will be used for energy. However, during a prolonged fast, the muscular proteins are also used in order to maintain the body's vital functions. The degradation (catabolism) of the tissue protein can then have the undesirable affect of reducing the muscular mass and weaken the individual. When offering the body adequate quantities of proteins while minimizing the calorie intake, it is possible to maintain the body with a positive nitrogen balance and restrain the loss of weight due to loss of fat. The whey protein hydrolyzates make formulation of weight reduction products easier and safer.
According to Davisco's Marty Davis, "the potential for nutraceutical uses of whey protein hydrolyzates is endless. As the leader in whey protein research, technology and production, we believe that the opportunities for whey protein hydrolyzates is increasing dramatically here and abroad."
For further information about Davisco Foods International and its whey protein isolates and hydrolyzates, contact Pauline Olson at 952-914-0400. CONTACT: Steve Schechter 212/604-0767
