The effect of supplementation with milk fat globule membranes on psychological health: A randomized clinical trial in healthy adults with moderate stress

Abstract

Polar lipids are integral to nervous system function and are implicated in cognitive performance and psychological response to situational stress. Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) are a rich source of complex lipids and membrane proteins. This study aimed to test the effect of two doses of MFGM supplementation on stress, psychological outcomes and cortisol response. Healthy adults (n = 122) enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received MFGM 600 mg (containing 300 mg milk phospholipids), MFGM 1200 mg (containing 600 mg milk phospholipids), or placebo daily for 12 weeks. At baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks, questionnaires assessed psychological outcomes and sleep quality. Awakening cortisol concentration was measured from saliva. Participants supplemented with MFGM had significantly lower stress scores than the placebo group after six weeks (p = 0.0004) and 12 weeks (p = 0.002). There was a suggestion that MFGM supplementation reduced anxiety after 12 weeks (p = 0.06). MFGM supplementation may improve general psychological health beyond situational stress.