Unlocking the Future of Protein Science

 

I was fortunate to attend a hosted media event at Danone’s U.S. Research & Innovation Hub in Louisville, Colo., this week. Thank you Danone! 

Danone’s passion for protein and the company’s dedication to learning more about the 20 amino acids and the powers they hold to make the human body function at its best was shared. And, it’s amazing. The work being done by Danone should make all of us in dairy very excited about the future. 

“Not all protein is created equal,” said Susan Zaripheh, chief research and innovation officer-North America. “It’s time to elevate the story.” 

If you have not noticed, Danone North America has been on a roll this year with introducing new products. One of the company’s most notable innovations, and likely the motivator behind this week’s event, is Oikos Fusion, a nutrient-dense cultured dairy beverage for consumers prioritizing health-conscious choices, in particular, those on GLP-1 weight loss medications.

This first-of-its-kind drink features a patented blend of nutrients—whey, leucine and vitamins—designed to help build and retain muscle mass during weight loss. One compact 7-ounce bottle delivers 23 grams of complete protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, and important vitamins, including D, B3 and B12. The lactose-free, 0 grams added sugar drink was formulated to have a light consistency that is both refreshing, delicious and easy to consume, even if you have no appetite. The refrigerated, 130-calorie cultured dairy drink comes in Mixed Berry, Strawberry and Vanilla flavors.

“People on a weight loss journey often eat less, so it’s crucial to focus on the nutrient density of the foods they do eat. When protein needs are not met, the body will start breaking down muscle to get the amino acids it needs. Fiber is also important considering its role in digestive health and because most American fall short on fiber intake,” explains Whitney Evans, director of nutrition and scientific affairs at Danone North America. “That’s why we created Oikos Fusion. We packed as much targeted nutrition as possible into a small, delicious and convenient bottle to help make it easier to meet key nutrition needs.”

It took almost two and a half years to develop Oikos Fusion. The product was made possible thanks to Danone’s more than 125 years of expertise in Specialized Nutrition. This is sector of the business that is very small in North America, but quite large in Europe and Asia. (I honestly never knew Danone played in this space, and I have been writing about dairy for more than 30 years!)

This business focuses on products that support people of all ages with specific nutritional needs, including babies and people with health conditions, like cancer or stroke. The company’s scientists understand the power of specific amino acids, and the additional powers they hold when combined into bioactive peptides. 

“Different amino acids have different benefits,” said Katrien Van Laere, senior vice president, research and innovation, medical and nutritional science. “For example, arginine assists with wound healing.”

She explained that Danone’s research team is actively investigating how amino acids behave in the body. “It’s not just what you eat, but also when you eat it,” she said.    

Takoua Debeche, chief research and innovation officer, said, “Muscle is our longevity organ.” 

Muscle enables us to breathe, to stand up straight, to chew food. We need to continuously feed the body with proteins, because unlike fat, the human body does not store protein. So when the body needs more protein to function, it is taken from muscle, explained Ardy van Helvoort, senior director, research and innovation, nutritional physiology and functional nutrients. 

He said that every three months, the muscle in the body is completely turned over. But dietary amino acids and proteins are not just about building muscle. The body is composed of more than 10,000 forms of protein, all with different functions. These are made by the 20 amino acids in different arrangements. 

“Only 40% of the protein in our body is in muscle,” said Helvoort, senior director, research and innovation, nutritional physiology and functional nutrients. “Enzymes are protein. Insulin is protein. The blood is full of protein. [Dietary] amino acids are important building blocks for all sorts of systems in our body.” 

Debeche added, “We need protein for whole body health.”

Going forward, the company will have more innovations like Oikos Fusion for the general population. It’s all about “functional stacking,” or packing in as many nutrients into an easy-to-consume food or beverage.

“The future of fitness is through dairy,” said Evans. “The healthy choice is becoming an easier choice.”

This supports Danone’s mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible. 

Evans explained that the company is active with exploring how artificial intelligence will accelerate research on what specific amino acids and peptides do in the body. 

“We are watching [years and years] of research come to life,” Evans said. “Protein science is shaking up the future of nutrition.”