By Luís Pinho, Salette Reis, and Rita Cabrita | ICBAS, FFUP, LAQV-REQUIMTE, SAV (Serviços Veterinários Associados)

PORTO - Milk, besides being a food with high nutritional value, has potential that goes far beyond the glass. Global milk production and consumption of dairy products have increased, with milk playing an important role in the concept of One Health. In this context, it could be highlighted its enrichment in compounds beneficial to human health through animal nutrition; the genetic selection of A2/A2 cows to reverse difficulties in digesting milk protein; animal welfare certification programs and precision production with greater profitability and animal health; and the impact of milk production, especially from ruminant animals, on the conversion of food not consumed by humans into protein of high biological value, on the carbon cycle and the use of lower suitable agricultural land. Milk also has potential as a natural source of raw material in the production of nanoplatforms, namely lipid-based nanoparticles, protein-based nanoparticles, and even exosomes with optimal properties for oral ingestion and transport of bioactive and/or therapeutic agents, allowing to meet the needs of a growing number of people with nutritional deficiencies or who require regular medication to safeguard their health. The manipulation and modification of nanoplatforms to increase their potential and applicability as controlled drug release systems can have an important role in treating oncological and inflammatory diseases.

Image – Rita Cabrita, Salette Reis, and Luís Pinho at the ‘One Health Talk’ held at ICBAS on April 18, 2024. Credits: Begoña Pérez-Cabezas.