Method of improving learning and memory in mammals

1 . A method of improving learning and/or memory behavior in a mammal in need of improvement in learning and/or memory behavior, the method comprising administering to the mammal casein glycomacropeptide in an amount sufficient to improve learning and/or memory behavior in the mammal.

2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the mammal is between about 1 day and about 4 years of age.

3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the mammal is a neonatal mammal.

4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the need of improvement in learning and/or memory behavior is shown where at least a portion of the mammal's nutritional requirement has been supplied by a formula having less than about 100 mg/L of sialic acid.

5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the need of improvement in learning and/or memory behavior is shown where substantially all of the mammal's nutritional requirement has been supplied by administration of a formula having less than about 100 mg/L of sialic acid.

6 . The method according to claim 4 , wherein a major part of the protein contained in the formula is soy protein or cow's milk protein.

7 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein at least about 75% by weight of the protein contained in the formula is soy protein or cow's milk protein.

8 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein substantially all of the protein contained in the formula is soy protein or cow's milk protein.

9 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the need of improvement in learning and/or memory behavior is shown where the mammal's nutritional requirement has been supplied by a diet providing sialic acid in an amount that is lower than would normally be obtained from breastfeeding.

10 . The method according to claim 9 , wherein the diet providing a lower amount of sialic acid than would normally be obtained from breastfeeding comprises a liquid formula having a sialic acid content that is below about 100 mg/L.

11 . The method according to claim 9 , wherein the diet providing a lower amount of sialic acid than would normally be obtained from breastfeeding comprises a liquid formula having a sialic acid content that is below about 200 mg/L.

12 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein administering the formula comprises enteral administration.

13 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide is included in a formula that is an infant formula.

14 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the formula is a nutritionally complete infant formula comprising carbohydrate, lipid, and protein.

15 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the protein comprises a material that is selected from cow's milk protein, soy protein, and mixtures thereof.

16 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide is administered in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 100 mg/kg/day of sialic acid to the mammal.

17 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide is administered in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 200 mg/kg/day of sialic acid to the mammal.

18 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the formula comprises a liquid having a sialic acid concentration of at least about 200 mg/liter.

19 . The method according to claim 18 , having a sialic acid level of at least about 300 mg/liter.

20 . The method according to claim 18 , having a sialic acid level of at least about 600 mg/liter.

21 . The method according to claim 1 , comprising a formula having a total protein content of between 12 and 16 grams/liter of which no more than 40% by weight is provided by casein glycomacropeptide.

22 . The method according to claim 21 , wherein the formula comprises a total protein content of between 13 and 15 grams/liter of which no more than 30% by weight is provided by casein glycomacropeptide.

23 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide comprises a casein glycomacropeptide having an enhanced concentration of sialic acid.

24 . The method according to claim 23 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide having an enhanced concentration of sialic acid comprises high-sialic acid casein glycomacropeptide with reduced threonine.

25 . The method according to claim 24 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide is included in a formula having a total protein content of between 13 and 15 grams/liter of which no more than 30% by weight is provided by a casein glycomacropeptide having an enhanced concentration of sialic acid and having a threonine content of not over 10 grams/16 grams nitrogen.

26 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the casein glycomacropeptide is included in a formula having a total protein content of about 14 grams/liter of which not over 4% by weight is threonine and having a sialic acid content of at least 400 mg/liter.

27 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising measuring the learning and/or the memory behavior of the mammal following the administration of the casein glycomacropeptide.

28 . A method of increasing brain protein-bound sialic acid in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal an amount of casein glycomacropeptide that is sufficient to increase the brain protein-bound sialic acid in the mammal.

29 . The method according to claim 28 , wherein the brain protein-bound sialic acid is increased by an amount of at least about 5%.

30 . A method of improving learning and/or memory behavior in a mammal, the method comprising:

determining whether the mammal is one that is in need of improvement in learning and/or memory; and, if so

administering to the mammal casein glycomacropeptide in an amount sufficient to improve learning and/or memory behavior in the mammal.