Sleep Well, Reduce Stress with Lactium®

Stress and Sleep

In a sea of stressed-out people with poor sleep concerns, Lactium® stands out as part of the solution for optimal sleep.* In many cases, stress can interfere with healthy sleep patterns. For example, stress can make it hard to fall asleep, worsen sleep quality, and shorten the time asleep. Additionally, sleep issues are linked with anxiousness and low mood as well. [1]

Origin of Lactium

Lactium may be used in natural formulas to moderate stress and promote calmness.* It is a bioactive peptide with soothing abilities that comes from milk.* [8, 9]

The story begins with French researchers on the hunt to find out why infants are so calm after drinking mother’s milk. The researchers thought some aspect of the milk itself may lead to the relaxing results. They successfully identified a calming peptide in milk that is active in the body. [9]

The peptide in Lactium comes from casein, a milk protein. However, drinking a glass of milk does not necessarily result in the same effect as Lactium®. The Lactium® peptide is hidden in a protein called αS1 casein. The digestive environment of infants can release the peptide, but adult systems are more complex and digest the protein differently. [9]

Researchers found a way to isolate the Lactium peptide, allowing it to be effective for older children and adults. Lactium’s unique structure may help it cross barriers in the body such as the intestinal barrier and the blood-brain barrier. [3, 4, 9] Not all GABA agonists can do this.

How does Lactium work?

Lactium has a complex mechanism of action. However, research proved it binds to GABA_A receptors.* These receptors aid in reducing anxiousness. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Working with serotonin, GABA promotes a sense of well-being, calmness, good mood, and optimal sleep. GABA also controls the excitatory system. Stimulating the GABA_A receptors can help produce these effects. [3, 4, 6, 7, 9]

Lactium: A Safe Ingredient

Although it comes from milk, Lactium does not pose a risk for people with lactose intolerance. The lactose content is around 1%, and average daily doses of Lactium are around 150 mg. Severely lactose intolerant people can consume up to 5 g/day of lactose. As levels of lactose in Lactium are well below that amount, it should not cause any negative effects. Furthermore, Lactium does not contain ß-lactoglobulin, one of the most allergenic proteins that come from milk. Additionally, Lactium is a hydrolysate, which is hypoallergenic. This means that the milk protein has been broken down to the point that the body’s immune system is unlikely to recognize the protein as an allergen. [9]

Lactium does not have any side effects. It is a natural, food-grade ingredient recognized by the FDA. It is also a kosher and non-GMO ingredient. [3, 4, 7, 9]

Lactium, Stress, and Sleep: Clinical Studies

In clinical studies, Lactium helped maintain blood pressure and heart rate during and after a stressful situation.* This effect was noted in as little as two weeks after beginning to take it, and the effects were still significant six weeks later. [2, 5] Lactium may also have a positive effect on cortisol levels during stress. [2, 5, 9]* It has also been shown to improve sleep quality, decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, and the ability to function the next day. [1]*

In a study looking at mental, physical, emotional, and social-related stress, people taking Lactium showed improvements in stress-related digestive, cardiovascular, intellectual, emotional, and social concerns. The study’s self-reported measures show that, in addition to showing physical improvements, the positive effects of Lactium are verified by people who use it. [2, 5]

Lactium’s effectiveness does not come from suppressing the stress response. Instead, it promotes relaxation to help people deal with occasional or everyday stress.* This stress-relieving action can be utilized to improve sleep quality. If the stress during the day and/or before bedtime lessens, sleep quality may be enhanced. Lactium has been shown to effect GABA around an hour after being taken.* Although it may differ from person to person, the calming effect of Lactium tends to occur within 7 to 15 days with regular doses. [1, 9]*

If you struggle with stress and poor sleep, consider discussing sleep-support formulas containing Lactium, such as SomniTR™, with your healthcare practitioner.

Resources

1. de Saint-Hilaire, Z., Messaoudi, M., Desor, D., & Kobayashi, T. (2009). Effects of a bovine alpha S1-Casein tryptic hydrolysate (CTH) on sleep disorder in Japanese general population.Open Sleep Journal,2, 26-32.
2. Lanoir D. (et Al.), Long term effects of a bovine milk alpha-S1 casein hydrolysate on healthy low and high stress responders. Stress, 5 (suppl.), 124, (2002) 3. Lecouvey, M., Frochot, C., Miclo, L., Orlewski, P., Driou, A., Linden, G., … & Vanderesse, R. (1997). Two‐Dimensional 1H‐NMR and CD Structural Analysis in a Micellar Medium of a Bovine αs1‐Casein Fragment having Benzodiazepine‐Like Properties.The FEBS Journal, 248(3), 872-878.
3. Lecouvey, M., Frochot, C., Miclo, L., Orlewski, P., Marraud, M., Gaillard, J. L., … & Vanderesse, R. (1997). Conformational studies of a benzodiazepine-like peptide in SDS micelles by circular dichroism, 1 H NMR and molecular dynamics simulation.Letters in Peptide Science,4(4), 359-364.
4. Messaoudi, M., Lefranc–Millot, C., Desor, D., Demagny, B., & Bourdon, L. (2005). Effects of a tryptic hydrolysate from bovine milk α S1–casein on hemodynamic responses in healthy human volunteers facing successive mental and physical stress situations.European journal of nutrition,44(2), 128-132.
5. Miclo, L., Perrin, E., Driou, A., Papadopoulos, V., Boujrad, N., Vanderesse, R., … & Gaillard, J. L. (2001). Characterization of α-casozepine, a tryptic peptide from bovine αs1-casein with benzodiazepine-like activity.The FASEB Journal,15(10), 1780-1782.
6. Violle, N., Messaoudi, M., Lefranc-Millot, C., Desor, D., Nejdi, A., Demagny, B., & Schroeder, H. (2006). Ethological comparison of the effects of a bovine α S1-casein tryptic hydrolysate and diazepam on the behaviour of rats in two models of anxiety.Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior,84(3), 517-523.
7. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. New Dietary Ingredient Notification for lactium®.
8. FAQ lactium®®. (2007, January). Retrieved from http://lactium®info.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/03/frequently-asked-questions.pdf

Clinical Contributor

Emily Harrill

Clinical Support Specialist at Sanesco International, Inc.

Emily Harrill is our newest Clinical Support Specialist, and a graduate of UNC Asheville with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Promotion. Improving quality of life for others is her ultimate goal. She enjoys being a part of the team at Sanesco, exploring wellness through the HPA-T Axis and encouraging others to use holistic, integrative means to achieve balanced health. She loves participating in challenging, empowering, and fun activities – especially Olympic weightlifting and belly dance.