Brought to you by VOLAC
The Whey Forward Series: Immune Health Webinar
In this webinar brought to you by Volac, join academic and industry experts discussing the latest research and science which underpins how whey protein ingredients can have a positive impact upon immunity.
Dr Leigh Breen, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, Birmingham University will join Michael Hughes, Head of Research and Insight, FMCG Gurus and Dr Elisa Glover, nutrition specialist from ingredient experts Volac as they explore the impact of dairy/whey protein for immune health across the life course.
In this webinar you will:
- Learn about new scientifically-backed evidence around immunity and whey protein ingredients.
- Gain insight from trends experts from Birmingham University, FMCG Gurus and Volac.
- Discover new nutritional advice and guidance around immunity.
Chair: Alex Ruani, UCL Doctoral Researcher and Chief Science Educator
Meet the webinar speakers:
Dr Leigh Breen, Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, Birmingham University
Dr Elisa Glover, Nutrition Specialist, Volac International
Michael Hughes, Head of Research and Insight, FMCG Gurus
Webinar themes
Impaired immune function increases the risk of ill-health and multi-morbidity. Impaired immune function may be linked to a rise in inflammatory factors. Hence, nutritional strategies that disrupt the vicious cycle of impaired immune function and inflammation have the potential to confer many health promoting benefits, particularly with advancing age where immunity and inflammatory status are compromised. Dairy products, especially fermented sources such as yogurt and cheese, contain bacteria that may enhance innate and adaptive immunity via the gut microbiota-immune axis. In addition, these products contain bioactive peptides and other fractions with the potential to modulate immune function, inflammation and muscle anabolism. Thus, dairy intake could support immune health across the lifecourse, with important implications for disease risk in an ageing population. This presentation will briefly outline the links between immune function and adverse health outcomes, and a contemporary overview of evidence of the immunomodulatory effects and overall health benefits of dairy-source proteins.
The whey protein fraction of milk is a source of numerous essential nutrients. In addition to containing protein with a high quality amino acid profile, whey can provide certain micronutrients that are highly bioavailable. Protein type is a potentially important consideration in the context of multinutrient supplement regimens, in order to ensure interactions between different components are not detrimental, and ideally synergistic. Bioactive compounds have been identified in whey, which may further contribute to its health promoting effects. This presentation will explore these aspects and demonstrate why whey should be the protein source of choice of individuals seeking to support their health in the face of today’s challenges.
Confidence in immune health has been significantly impacted over the last twelve months as consumers question their vulnerability to illness. Consumers have made fundamental changes to their diets and lifestyles in order to improve their immunity, especially as they recognized that current lifestyles increased the risk of immediate and long-term health problems. However as signs emerge that the end of the pandemic is in sight, how will consumers approach their immune health in the long-term – will consumers return to previous habits or has COVID-19 heralded a new era when it comes to precautionary health measures?
