Enriching infant nutrition with HMO 2’-FL
Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as the gold standard in infant nutrition, offering not only optimal nourishment but also valuable bioactive components such as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). These naturally occurring prebiotics support the development of a healthy gut microbiota and immune system from the very beginning of life. When breastfeeding is not an option, infant formula is used as an alternative. While standard formula provides essential nutrients, they lack the prebiotic component, which can be overcome with adding prebiotic bioactive ingredients, such as chicory root fibres and HMO 2’-FL.
Why HMOs matter
HMOs are the third main component of breast milk after lipids and lactose, with more than 20 g/L in the first milk shortly after birth and about 5-15 g/L on average in mature mother’s milk. HMOs are the first prebiotics consumed in life and associated with positive effects on the healthy development of an infant.
Essential health benefits of HMOs from breast milk:
Supporting the colonisation of the gut with beneficial bacteria
Improving bowel function by softening tools
Supporting maturation of the gut and immune system
Supporting brain development and cognitive function
What is 2’FL?
Among the identified HMOs in breast milk, 2’-FL is one of the most abundantly present in human milk, accounting for up to 30% of all HMOs or about 3 g/L on average. 2’-FL is a trisaccharide and belongs to the group of fucosylated HMOs.
2’-FL helps to bridge the prebiotic gap making it a valuable ingredient for infant formula manufacturers aiming to closely replicated breast milk benefits. Beyond their microbiota-related advantages, HMOs like 2’-FL may directly support the immune system by blocking viruses from attaching to the gut lining, potentially lowering the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Infant nutrition:
Bridge the prebiotic gap between breastfed and formula-fed infants with a clever combination of chicory prebiotics and the most present HMO 2’-FL in breast milk. Explore the synergistic possibilities in infant nutrition.
A powerful combination: 2’FL and chicory prebiotics
Synergistic effects can be anticipated when 2’-FL and prebiotics from chicory join forces. Each ingredient offers valuable health effects, however when combined, their benefits can become even more impactful:
- Wider range of beneficial bifidobacteria for a more complex fermentation fostering a more favourable gut environment
- Softer and gentler stools to enhance the baby’s digestive well-being
- Strengthening the developing immune system.
- Emerging research highlights a potential role in supporting brain and cognitive development, likely mediated through the gut-brain axis. BENEO is committed to further advancing research on prebiotics and HMOs, exploring their impact on health from early life onward.
Working with 2’-FL
Including the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2’-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) in infant milk formula is attractive and feasible. There is growing consumer demand for formulas that include HMOs, particularly because of their potential role in immune system support and gut health in infants.
2′-FL is stable during common infant formula processing methods, such as high-temperature pasteurization, allowing it to be incorporated without compromising its functional properties. Some adjustments to the formulation may be needed to maintain the balance of other nutrients and bio-actives.
