Table 1 Function of milk proteins
Protein | Role | Milk fraction |
|---|---|---|
α-S1-casein, β-caseinm and κ-casein | ~80% of bovine and 20-45% of human milk protein. Phosphoprotein carriers of minerals and trace elements. | Casein micelles |
α-lactalbumin | Calcium and other carrier, lactose synthesis [26] | Whey |
Lactoferrin | Iron and other metal binding [27], antimicrobial, antiviral [28], antioxidative, cell growth regulator | Whey |
Lactadherin | Also known as Milk Fat globule factor 8 (Mfge8); bactericidal and apoptotic properties [29]. | Milk fat globule; digestion resistant |
Mucin 1 | Modulates bacterial adhesion [29] | Milk fat globule; digestion resistant |
Xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase | Milk fat globule | |
Butyrophilin | ~40% of protein in Milk Fat Globule Membrane; fat globule secretion [29] | Milk fat globule; rapidly degraded |