Abstract: The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a three-layer membrane structure that surrounds milk fat globules. The structure of fat globules in cow milk-based and soy-based infant formulas, lacking MFGM, is quite different from that in human milk. Therefore, addition of exogenous MFGM and preparation of infant formulas with fat globule structure similar to that in human milk have become the focus of recent research. In this article, we review the characteristics and development of MFGM, as well as the application of bovine MFGM in emulsions and infant formulas mimicking the human milk fat globule structure. Simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion and rodent studies in vivo have demonstrated that the mimic structure of human milk fat globule in emulsions and infant formulas can promote fat digestion and improve lipid metabolism in infants.

Key words: milk fat globule membrane; development and preparation; fat globule structure; fat digestion in infants; lipid metabolism