Bovine milk is widely recognized as one of the most valuable sources of nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that support the development and health of the body. In recent years, there has been increasing scientific interest in exosomes, the small membrane-bound vesicles found in milk. Through their content (e.g., microRNA), exosomes can influence gene expression and modulate key signaling pathways within target cells. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bovine milk-derived exosomes can alleviate intestinal inflammation by regulating signaling pathways and positively influencing the composition of the gut microbiota. They also improve cognitive function and support nervous system regeneration. In addition, exosomes promote bone health by stimulating osteoblast formation and inhibiting bone resorption, helping to prevent osteoporosis. Studies have shown that exosomes have beneficial effects on skin health by promoting collagen production, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and delaying the ageing process. Bovine milk-derived exosomes are a promising tool for the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases, particularly those related to inflammation and tissue regeneration. Although these results are promising, further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and the potential clinical application of milk exosomes in the prevention and treatment of different diseases.
The aim of this study was to identify and analyse consumer perceptions regarding the health benefits of different dairy products in Poland. This study examines the consumption frequency of selected dairy products in Poland and the health benefits which consumers associate with their regular consumption. It also explores how demographic factors, such as age, gender, and consumption frequency, influence these perceptions and identifies which dairy products are the most linked to specific health benefits. This study involved a quantitative survey of a representative sample of 2009 Polish consumers aged 19–30 and 66–75 years. This study revealed that the vast majority of the consumers recognise the health benefits of dairy products, particularly in areas such as better bone health, enhanced immune function, and improved digestion. The benefits associated with the regular consumption of milk, natural fresh cheeses, and natural fermented milk beverages were most frequently recognised. The respondents’ age had no significant effect on their perceptions of the health benefits of the selected dairy products. A statistically significant effect of gender was found only for the perceived benefits of consuming flavoured, fermented milk beverages. The frequency of consumption had a significant effect on the respondents’ perceptions of the benefits of all the studied groups of dairy products. In general, the consumers had positive attitudes towards the dairy products and believed in their potential health benefits. These findings have important implications for policy-makers. They underline the need for targeted public health campaigns to promote the consumption of dairy products as part of a balanced diet, emphasizing their specific health benefits. Such efforts could be especially effective if tailored to demographic factors such as gender and dietary habits.
This study aimed to evaluate the association of diet quality and perception of consumption benefits with intake of fermented dairy products in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020 and involved 2009 men and women randomly sampled from the representative Polish population stratified into two age groups (19–30 and 66–75 years). Dairy product intake was evaluated using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. The perceived health benefit of dairy product consumption was assessed by a literature-based questionnaire. The Health Concern Scale was used to measure participants’ attitudes toward health. The median intake of fermented dairy products was 0.8 portion/day (IQR: 0.4–1.6). Intake of fermented dairy products was associated with a higher MEDAS score. We observed that people with the highest intake of fermented dairy products consumed more oils, vegetables, wine, legumes, fish and seafood, sweets and pastries, nuts, had a higher preference for white meat and were more likely to report their perceived benefits to maintain body weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve immune and dental health. Moreover, a high intake of fermented dairy products was positively related to paying more attention to health. Our study identified patterns of health behaviors associated with the frequent consumption of fermented dairy products. We observed that the intake of fermented dairy products is associated with better diet quality, consumer self-consciousness, and a greater attitude toward personal health.
This study aimed to evaluate the association between diet quality, perception of benefits consumption, and fermented dairy product intake in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020. 2009 men and women were randomly sampled from the representative Polish population stratified for two age groups (19–30 and 66–75 years). Dairy product intake was evaluated using a qualitative frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Perceived health benefits of dairy product consumption were assessed with a literature-based questionnaire. The Health Concern Scale was used to measure participants’ attitudes toward health. Median intake of fermented dairy products was 0.8 portion/day (IQR: 0.4–1.6). Intake of fermented dairy products was associated with higher MEDAS. We observed that people with the highest intake of fermented dairy product consumed more oils, vegetables, wine, legumes, fish and seafood, sweets and pastries, nuts, and higher preference for white meat and were more likely to report perceived benefits to maintain body weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve immune and dental health. Moreover, a high intake of fermented dairy products was positively related to paying more attention to health. Our study identified patterns of health behaviors associated with frequent consumption of fermented products. We observed that the intake of fermented dairy products is associated with better diet quality, consumer self-consciousness, and a greater attitude to own health.
30 March 2016 in Zeszyty Naukowe SGGW - Ekonomika i Organizacja Gospodarki Żywnościowej
The aim of this article was to identify factors influencing the purchasing decisions of individual buyers represented by Polish doctors on the dairy product market, taking into account the demographic variable of the respondents’ age. This article is based on a survey conducted among 201 Polish doctors using the CAPI (Computer-Assisted Personal Interview) method. The collected primary data was subjected to quantitative analysis, including both a description of general trends and the identification of differences in responses between distinct age categories of respondents, as well as the identification of hidden factor structures. Conducting a study with a group of doctors perceived as experts fills a research gap in the literature and makes an important contribution to the discussion on the factors shaping the purchasing behaviour of doctors as buyers. The research revealed differences in the assessment of the importance of motivators influencing purchasing decisions for dairy products between groups of doctors separated by age. Younger respondents (aged 27–44) attach greater importance to the influence of marketing activities at the point of sale and the health attributes of dairy products, while older respondents (aged 45 and over) attach greater importance to aspects related to trust and safety as well as consumer trends. Hidden (latent) factors influencing purchasing decisions in the surveyed age-based groups of doctors were also identified in comparison with the total number of respondents, and consumer segments were identified based on the similarity of factor profiles. The results of this study can be used both by companies in the dairy sector in the process of designing marketing strategies for dairy products and by institutions influencing public health.