How Does MFGM Give Your Child an EQ Boost?

What Is MFGM?

You may have heard the term “MFGM” before, but what does it actually mean? And how does this ingredient give your child an EQ boost?

MFGM is the shortened name for “milk fat globule membrane”. As a milk fat droplet is created, it progresses through different parts of the cell before exiting. During its journey, the milk fat droplet takes part of the membrane of each part of the cell it passes through, resulting in a nutrient-rich, tri-layered coating surrounding each drop of milk.

A few of the most studied benefits of MFGM include strengthening immunity, improving brain development, and fostering emotional intelligence¹.

How Does MFGM Support High EQ?

EQ, or emotional quotient, is the counterpart of IQ. Simply put, IQ influences book smarts while EQ influences people smarts. Nowadays, employers and leadership roles favor individuals with high EQs over high IQs alone². However, IQ and EQ are not opposites but rather two parts of overall intelligence.

So, how does MFGM help provide an EQ boost? The answer lies in the structure of the membrane that surrounds each milk droplet. This triple-layered membrane contains mainly fat, proteins, and vitamins, all of which are important for brain development and function¹. Some of the key components and functions are the following:

Sphingomyelin and Gangliosides

These two phospholipids are essential for brain and nerve development. Sphingomyelin is a part of the myelin sheath, which is a membrane that insulates the axons that branch off from each brain and nerve cell.

Insulation lessens the travel time for impulses, leading to faster thinking and reaction times. Additionally, sphingomyelin has been shown to improve behavior and attention span³.

Gangliosides also play a role in myelination with added functions of growing brain cells, increasing connections and enhancing transmission between them. Supplementation with gangliosides provides optimal brain development early in life and optimal function throughout life³.

Sterols

Sterols, namely cholesterol, are often seen as bad due to its association with heart disease. While high levels of bad cholesterol can have negative health effects, cholesterol is still vital for our cells.

It is required to create myelin and is a precursor of many hormones³ such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. These “neurosteroids” impact brain function, playing a role in cognition, mood, and even motor function⁴.

Choline

Choline is a precursor of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine found in brain cells and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Similar to folate or folic acid, choline is essential for developing the brain and nervous system. Increased choline intake, during pregnancy and up to 4 years of age, greatly help improves brain development and function– which gives an IQ and EQ boost³.

Sialic Acid

Sialic acid is a type of sugar found in the structure of gangliosides, glycoproteins, and oligosaccharides. Interestingly, the human brain contains the highest levels of sialic acid compared to any other living thing. Increasing sialic acid intake help improves memory and learning abilities³.

Importance of High EQ in Kids

With constant stimulation and exposure to stress, both at home and in school, EQ is more essential than ever. Children who have higher EQs are more self-aware and get along better with others. These children are more in-tune with their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms and behaviors as they mature.

Additionally, giving your child an EQ boost does not take away from their IQ development. Emotionally intelligent children are better decision-makers, able to self-regulate, and more resilient. Each of these qualities help with academics, establishing healthy friendships, and managing stress⁶.

Where To Get MFGM

After seeing how MFGM works to help give an IQ and EQ boost, the next step is knowing where to get it.

Cow’s milk contains bovine MFGM, unfortunately, its structure is altered by heat used during processing. Because of this, normal cow’s milk and most milk formulas do not readily contain beneficial MFGM⁷. Look for milk formulas that provide MFGM and IQ and EQ-boosting qualities.

Learn more about MFGM here.