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Alpha-lactalbumin

Alpha-lactalbumin suppliers and sourcing guide

Alpha-lactalbumin is one of the two main proteins in cow's milk whey, alongside beta-lactoglobulin, and is also a major whey protein in human milk. Ingredient makers concentrate it from whey by membrane fractionation, selective precipitation or chromatography, then spray-dry it. Brands usually buy an alpha-lactalbumin-enriched whey protein concentrate for infant formula, medical nutrition and sports nutrition powders.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
α-lactalbumin · Alpha-lac · Alpha-lactalbumin-enriched whey protein concentrate
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of alpha-lactalbumin

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Enriched whey protein concentrate

    Whey protein concentrate fractionated so alpha-lactalbumin is a much larger share of the protein than in standard whey; FDA GRAS notices describe a grade containing 41% alpha-lactalbumin.

  • High-purity alpha-lactalbumin

    Isolated alpha-lactalbumin at higher purity, sold in smaller volumes at a higher price.

  • Infant formula grade

    Produced and tested to infant formula requirements, including Cronobacter testing and tighter limits on contaminants.

  • Sports and adult nutrition grade

    The same fraction sold for powders, drinks and bars, with standard dairy microbiological limits.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Alpha-lactalbumin content
Alpha-lactalbumin as a percentage of protein by reversed-phase HPLC, which separates it from beta-lactoglobulin and other whey proteins.
Protein
Total protein by Kjeldahl (nitrogen x 6.38) on an as-is and dry basis.
Fat, lactose, ash and moisture
Proximate values that show how far the fraction has been purified and affect flow and solubility.
Microbiology
Total plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast and mold and Salmonella, plus Cronobacter for infant formula grades.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the supplier's specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in the original multi-wall or lined bag in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, since dairy protein powders take up moisture and smells. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually with moisture, protein profile and micro as retest points.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the alpha-lactalbumin percentage and total protein for each lot; the protein profile shifts with whey source and process, and both values set how much is needed to hit a formula target.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • GRN 763, for alpha-lactalbumin notified by Agropur, closed on December 10, 2018 with FDA having no questions, for powdered nutritional beverages, sports beverages, nutritional bars and milk products.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • GRN 809, for fractionated whey protein concentrate containing 41% alpha-lactalbumin notified by Arla Foods Ingredients, closed on May 6, 2019 with FDA having no questions, for cows milk-based term infant formula.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • GRN 1100, for the same type of Arla Foods Ingredients fraction, closed on October 27, 2023 with FDA having no questions, for use as a source of protein in bars, milk-based drinks, sport drinks, yogurt and similar foods.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Alpha-lactalbumin suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking alpha-lactalbumin suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell alpha-lactalbumin? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of alpha-lactalbumin can brands buy?

Common forms include enriched whey protein concentrate, high-purity alpha-lactalbumin, infant formula grade and sports and adult nutrition grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for alpha-lactalbumin include?

Expect alpha-lactalbumin content, protein, fat, lactose, ash and moisture, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should alpha-lactalbumin be stored?

Store sealed in the original multi-wall or lined bag in a cool, dry place away from strong odors, since dairy protein powders take up moisture and smells. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually with moisture, protein profile and micro as retest points.

What is the regulatory status of alpha-lactalbumin?

GRN 763, for alpha-lactalbumin notified by Agropur, closed on December 10, 2018 with FDA having no questions, for powdered nutritional beverages, sports beverages, nutritional bars and milk products. GRN 809, for fractionated whey protein concentrate containing 41% alpha-lactalbumin notified by Arla Foods Ingredients, closed on May 6, 2019 with FDA having no questions, for cows milk-based term infant formula. GRN 1100, for the same type of Arla Foods Ingredients fraction, closed on October 27, 2023 with FDA having no questions, for use as a source of protein in bars, milk-based drinks, sport drinks, yogurt and similar foods.

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