Improving milk digestibility

Naturo, the company responsible for Haelen milk processing technology — which gives fresh milk a 60-day shelf life — has achieved another milk development, this time for digestibility.

Consumer trials and recent Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) research validation have said that milk processed using the Haelen method results in 100% fresh, natural milk that is twice as digestible as processed cow’s milk. This is due to the treatment of whey proteins, which can often be problematic. The proteins are broken down further allowing for easier and faster digestion, as well as enhanced nutrient absorption.

The CSIRO research followed a 2021 consumer trial which showed that two-thirds of trial participants, who normally experienced an adverse reaction to cow’s milk, found that the alternative eliminated or reduced the reaction.

The CSIRO results confirmed that Haelen processed milk made the milk’s nutrients more bio-accessible, providing the potential for increased absorption by the body.

With 68% of the global population experiencing some form of difficulty in consuming milk, the results mean that more people may be able to enjoy the health benefits of milk without the adverse side effects. It will also provide opportunities for sports nutrition and recovery and health and wellness markets due to the way it naturally hydrolyses milk whey proteins.

The product has been formally approved by Australia’s state regulators for domestic sales, and export registration is due to be formalised in October 2022.

Founder and CEO Jeff Hastings (pictured), said: “This latest digestibility finding is an incredible market breakthrough and has seen us shift our business strategy to allow worldwide Haelen Technology partnerships and licensing agreements, rather than solely focus on processing and exporting fresh milk from our South East Queensland production facility.”