biostudies-literaturePitkanen MResearch Council of Finland2290https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11280102biostudies-literatureUnknown16(14)Milk-derived peptides and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) have gained interest as health-promoting food ingredients. However, the mechanisms by which these nutraceuticals modulate the function of biological systems often remain unclear. We utilized <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> to elucidate how MFGM-containing protein powder (MProPow), previously used in a clinical trial, affect the physiology of this model organism. Our results demonstrate that MProPow does not affect lifespan but promotes the fitness of the animals. Surprisingly, gene expression analysis revealed that MProPow decreases the expression of genes functioning on innate immunity, which also translates into reduced survival on pathogenic bacteria. One of the innate immunity-associated genes showing reduced expression upon MProNutrientsMilk Fat Globule Membrane-Containing Protein Powder Promotes Fitness in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>.PMC11280102332920Pitkanen MMatilainen OfalseMilk Fat Globule Membrane-Containing Protein Powder Promotes Fitness in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>.Milk-derived peptides and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) have gained interest as health-promoting food ingredients. However, the mechanisms by which these nutraceuticals modulate the function of biological systems often remain unclear. We utilized <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> to elucidate how MFGM-containing protein powder (MProPow), previously used in a clinical trial, affect the physiology of this model organism. Our results demonstrate that MProPow does not affect lifespan but promotes the fitness of the animals. Surprisingly, gene expression analysis revealed that MProPow decreases the expression of genes functioning on innate immunity, which also translates into reduced survival on pathogenic bacteria. One of the innate immunity-associated genes showing reduced expression upon MPro2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Jul2026-04-21T03:29:34.876Z2025-04-19T13:13:00.731ZS-EPMC112801023906473310.3390/nu16142290