Animal food quality and human health: the animal science point of view
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From the standpoint of evolutionary biology, animal products are a natural source of nutrients, which, due to the high quality of its nutrients has been responsible for the evolution of mankind and the improvement of human health and life.
In affluent societies, however, the risks related to the consumption of animal products are increasingly emphasised, risks which are linked on the one hand to the possible content of undesirable components (residues and contaminants, which are not discussed in this paper) and on the other hand to the consequences of malconsumption.
Problems of undernourishment related to animal products, as it is evident in many developing countries, are affecting millions of people in their mental and physical development. On the other hand, the overconsumption of animal products in industrial countries increasingly causes health problems and the so-called “diseases of civilisation”.
The intense public debate, linked also to groups propagating alternative lifestyles, about the overconsumption of animal products in industrial countries aims at a modification of consumer habits, which, however, have only a small effect on overall consumption of animal products. In view of the real health risks associated with overconsumption, actions in research and public awareness are aimed at minimizing health risks linked to specific product components, and concentrating on the healthstimulating effects of animal products.
The term “functional food” does describe these health-stimulating effects of animal products, encompassing related activities to improve health effects of animal products. This article discusses the natural ingredients of undesirable and desirable nutrients and identifies possibilities for modifying the nutrient content of animal products through means of feeding and breeding.
It can be concluded that the health-related interests in animal products should focus on those ingredients which are not at all present in plant products or are found only in very small amounts. Any other objectives for modifying animal products are artificial and will not lead to a balanced diet for humans.
Possibilities for modifying in particular the composition of fatty acids are described, with due consideration of the ethical aspects of the consequences of modification (animal welfare concerns).
A large potential is seen in the utilisation of biotechnical methods for the production of pharmaceutical proteins. The possibility to produce these proteins by modification of the mammary gland of dairy animals is in the phase of research. Some indications of potential impact offer less costly and risky methods of health treatment.