Contribution to the study of camel milk fat globule membrane

The camel milk fat globule membrane has been characterized according to several approaches. Compared with the cow milk fat globule membrane, various specificities have been revealed. Its physicochemical composition showed a poor content in proteins, and a higher content in neutral lipids and in phospholipids. The mechanical properties measured at low (4°C, 20°C) and high temperatures (40°C, 45°C and 50°C) using a film balance are different when the camel milk fat globule membrane is spread at the air–water interface. The thermal study revealed an important proportion of high-melting triacylglycerols that involves fatty acids with long chains.     

Effect of buttermilk consumption on blood pressure in moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women

ObjectivesMilk fat globule membrane (MFGM) found in buttermilk is rich in unique bioactive proteins. Several studies suggest that MFGM proteins possess biological activities such as cholesterol-lowering, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, but data in humans are lacking. Furthermore, to our knowledge, no study has yet investigated the antihypertensive potential of MFGM proteins from buttermilk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of buttermilk consumption on blood pressure and on markers of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAS) system in humans.MethodsMen and women (N = 34) with plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 5 mmol/L and normal blood pressure (< 140 mm Hg) were recruited in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Their diets were supplemented with 45 g/d of buttermilk and with 45 g/d of a macro-/micronutrient-matched placebo in random order (4 wk for each diet).ResultsButtermilk consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (−2.6 mm Hg; P = 0.009), mean arterial blood pressure (−1.7 mm Hg; P = 0.015), and plasma levels of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (−10.9%; P = 0.003) compared with the placebo, but had no effect on plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone.ConclusionShort-term buttermilk consumption reduces blood pressure in normotensive individuals.