Researching the development of milk to help prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases

MADRID, 5 (EUROPA PRESS)

La Universidad Católica of Murcia (UCAM) and the Catalan Institute of cardiovascular Sciences (ICCC), in collaboration with Central Lechera Asturiana, develop two research projects aimed at developing different types of milk with a capacity to influence on the risk factors that lead to osteoporosis and diseases cardiovascular.

The purpose of these studies is that, through this product, is achieved to reduce the risk of these diseases. In particular, the purpose of the project that developed the ICCC is lowering cholesterol in the blood to prevent cardiovascular disease, while the project that is carrying out the UCAM aims to improve the absorption of calcium from milk, to prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Studies were within the framework of the research project on food and health Henufood, which involves 9 companies and 11 hospitals and research centres of all Spain and with the support of the Ministry of science and innovation.

The project of the Catholic University of Murcia, led by Dr. f. Javier López Román, Coordinator of the exercise physiology Chair, studied the most efficient way of enriching milk with calcium, with the aim of improving bone density, and to prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia.

“Osteopenia and osteoporosis are two health problems of high prevalence and the best solution is prevention.” “To do so, must eat adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D throughout life and especially following the 25-30 years,” explains Lopez Román.

Meanwhile, the draft of the Catalan Institute of cardiovascular Sciences, led by Dr. Lina Badimon, investigates how to prevent cardiovascular diseases by controlling cholesterol, one of its main risk factors. Specifically, the project is studying dairy products rich in phytosterols to see how Act to protect the heart and the vascular system. Based on this knowledge can develop a milk that helps reduce cholesterol.

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Is aimed at improving the control of the cardiovascular risk factors in people with high levels of lipids such as cholesterol in blood, but do not require pharmacological treatment, as well as in people with overweight and obesity light”, says Padró.

Research pioneer

Central Lechera Asturiana, Pedro Astals, CEO explained that this project “is a bet determined by innovation and the development of scientific knowledge-based dairy products that have a positive impact on people’s health”. “Ultimately, what we seek is that this effect is proven in rigorous clinical trials,” he concludes.

Henufood is a pioneer of scientific research applied to the food sector that investigates ingredients and common foods from our diet in order to demonstrate, through innovative methodologies, its beneficial to the health of the population properties Spanish.

The project represents a total investment of 23.6 million EUR 10.3 million of which have been provided by the Ministry of science and innovation, through CDTI, with co-financing from the EU through the technological Fund ERDF. By Central Lechera Asturiana, the project represents an investment in research of more than 1.1 million euros.

Led by Gallina Blanca Star, in Henufood involving a total of 9 companies in the food sector – Central Lechera Asturiana, chicken White Star, Biocentury SLU Carinsa, GO Fruselva, Probelte Pharma and Wild-; the biotechnology sector (2B BlackBio) and the (Ibermática) information technologies sector, in collaboration with 11 public research organizations of all Spain.