Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation for Mental Well-Being

TL;DR

This study reviews and combines results from three trials to assess if milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplements can help reduce stress and anxiety in adults.

Contribution

The paper provides the first systematic review and meta-analysis on MFGM's effects on mental well-being in adults.

Findings

MFGM supplementation led to small but significant reductions in stress and anxiety.

Effects on depression were not statistically significant but showed a favorable trend.

Trials had low risk of bias and no strong evidence of publication bias.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex structure of polar lipids, gangliosides, and glycoproteins that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and gut-modulatory effects in preclinical and human studies, but its effects on adult psychological outcomes have not been systematically synthesised. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search across multiple databases using combined relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings terms, with manual reference checks to ensure comprehensiveness. Of the 35 articles initially identified, 3 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria: adult participants (≥20 years); bovine MFGM supplementation; a placebo or control group; and outcomes measuring stress, anxiety, or depression. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, calculating standardised mean differences for stress, anxiety, and depression outcomes. Results: MFGM supplementation produced small but statistically significant reductions in stress and anxiety. Effects on depression were non-significant, though directionally favourable. Risk-of-bias assessments were conducted using Cochrane criteria and indicated low concerns across trials. Publication bias was not indicated, but interpretation was limited by the small number of studies. Conclusions: Whilst the evidence for depression is inconclusive, bovine MFGM supplementation may confer modest benefits for stress and anxiety in adults and could be part of a nutritional strategy to support overall mental well-being.

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