Antimicrobial Milk Proteins

Antimicrobial Milk Proteins could help alleviate acne, psoriasis and halitosis

by Katie Bird

Proteins in milk that form part of the cow’s natural protection against milking related infections can be formulated into anti-microbial cosmetics and oral care products, according to manufacturer Quantec. The New Zealand based company has been working on the Immune Defence Proteins (IDP) for three years and is now ready to launch the ingredients onto the skin care and supplements market.
Rod Claycomb, managing director of the company, explained how the proteins form part of the cow’s own defence system. “After milking, cows are quite prone to bacterial infection of the mammary gland called mastitis. This suite of proteins is nature’s own way of helping to protect the cow,” he said.
Currently the company is preparing for the launch of the ingredient onto the oral care market at the food and supplements show Supply Side West in Las Vegas. “IDP is good at nailing the bad bacteria in the mouth that lead to halitosis and gum disease,” Claycomb explained. In addition, the company is launching the ingredient onto the topical skin care market where the antimicrobial mode of action is similar but the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the proteins are equally important.
Potential applications for skin care include anti-acne formulations, products proposing relief from psoriasis and dandruff, as well as antifungal systems such as those fighting against yeast infections like candida albicans and athletes foot.
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