DOST funds research on kesong puti growth supplements

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided funding to a research and development project in the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) seeking to look at whey by-products in carabao milk-based cheese, or kesong puti (white cheese), for potential high-value growth food supplements that can address stunting among children.

Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said that the UPLB project will seek to study the whey by-products in buffalo kesong puti, to develop and isolate extracts for food supplements that promote growth and development.

The support amounting to P12.3 million, he said, was provided by DOST-Philippine Health Research and Development.
Led by UPLB’s Dr. Gladys Cherisse Completo, the study will provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of buffalo milk oligosaccharides supplement as an animal-based fortifier for infant formula, and complementary foods that will help in addressing stunting in Filipino children.

Research has shown that buffalo milk is a rich source of oligosaccharides linked to improved growth in epidemiologic and animal studies.
Dela Peña said that the project is expected to be completed by April next year.