Keep up to date on the latest discoveries and news in milk science with our bi-monthly publication SPLASH!®
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Current Issue #135
Issue Date: November 2026
Milk Protein Promotes Lung Immunity in Newborn Mice
Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein with many functions: it governs mineral deposition in bones, inflammation and immune development and other cellular functions. Animal studies have linked OPN deficiency to more severe viral and bacterial respiratory infections.
Breastfeeding May Lower Risk of ASD and ADHD
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two neurodevelopment disorders that cause the brain to work differently. They share common traits and can often co-occur; however, they are distinct conditions [1].
Milk Fat Compounds May Modestly Lower LDL Cholesterol
Compounds found in milk fat may modestly lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, according to a new systematic review of 10 clinical trials. [1] But the studies mostly used supplements containing much more of these compounds than normally found in foods like milk or buttermilk – so it’s unclear whether just consuming dairy foods would have the same effect.
Mother’s Gut Microbes Seed Infant Gut, Milk Helps Them Grow
New mothers spare no effort when it comes to protecting their infants from germs from the outside world — pacifiers that fall to the ground are quickly sanitized, grocery cart seats and handles are wiped down before the baby can sit, and visiting guests are required to wash their hands before holding the baby. But it turns out that the ultimate shield for keeping infants healthy isn’t hand sanitizer: it’s Mom. A new study [1] reveals that the mother’s gut is the largest source of colonizing bacteria for the infant’s gut microbiome, and the ingredients from mother’s milk ensure that these beneficial gut microbes flourish to support health and immunity across the infant’s lifetime. This one-two maternal punch of defense takes the concept of the protective mother to a whole new (microscopic) level.