UMCG and FrieslandCampina to develop healthy food for mother and child

The UMCG/University of Groningen and FrieslandCampina dairy foods are going to develop food products which should combat low-grade infections in the human body. Low-grade infections are the result of the wrong diet for years on end. The infections can lead to many chronic disorders and typically Western diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.

In the project ‘Zonder (laaggradige) ontstekingen oud en gezond’ [Old and healthy without low-grade infections], new food products are being developed that are able to combat or even prevent such infections. Special products are being developed for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and infants. These target groups have been especially chosen as low-grade infections need to be addressed at as early a stage as possible with special products.

The project must also provide the scientific basis for the health effects of the products that will be developed. The basis provided is necessary to acquire an official health claim from the European Food & Safety Association (EFSA), which is important for the market and economic value of the products.
The collaboration between the UMCG and FrieslandCampina will lead to new products being developed, health effects proven and the desired economic spinoff being realised.  FrieslandCampina expects that 10 to 15 extra jobs will be created, while the UMCG and the University will improve their international position vis-à-vis Healthy Ageing.

The Provincial Executive of Groningen has provided provincial funding of EUR 116,245 for the project, with the total project costs running to EUR 1.5 million.