Enriching infant nutrition with HMO 2’-FL
Breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition, providing the ideal balance of nutrients and 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 – with benefits that may last well into later life.
When breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula is used as an alternative. Standard formula provides essential nutrients but lacks the prebiotic component creating the “prebiotic gap”. This can be bridged by adding prebiotic bioactive ingredients, such as prebiotics from chicory or the HMO 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) bringing formulas closer to the composition and benefits of breast milk.
Why HMOs matter
HMOs are the third most prevalent component in breast milk after lipids and lactose, with more than 200 types identified so far. The amount and composition vary between mothers and over time, but as first prebiotics consumed in life their role for the child’s healthy development is key.
Essential health benefits of HMOs from breast milk:
What is 2’FL?
2’-FL is the most abundant HMO in human milk, making up to 30% of total HMOs content (~3 g/L on average). Beyond supporting beneficial gut bacteria and related benefits, individual HMOs like 2’-FL may directly support the immune system by blocking harmful pathogens from attaching to the gut lining, potentially reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Through precision fermentation, BENEO – in partnership with WACKER – offers high-purity, nature-identical 2’-FL for use in infant nutrition.
Infant nutrition:
- Infant formula
- Follow-up formula
- Growing-up milk
A powerful combination: 2’FL and chicory prebiotics
BENEO’s inulin and oligofructose from chicory are well-established, plant-based prebiotics with a proven record in infant nutrition. When combined with 2’-FL, this offers synergistic benefits that bring formula even closer to the functional profile of breast milk:
- Higher variety 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 through multiple mechanisms
- Potential benefits for brain and cognitive development via the gut-brain axis.
Recent research suggests that this combination enhances both microbiota composition and beneficial metabolite production more than either ingredient alone.
BENEO – Your partner in early-life nutrition
With decades of prebiotic expertise, strong scientific partnerships, and a commitment to innovation, BENEO helps manufacturers develop formulas that support healthy growth from the very first days of life.
By combining prebiotics from chicory with nature-identical HMOs formulas move closer to nature regarding composition and functional benefits – creating products that parents can trust and babies can benefit from
In-depth information
HMO2’-FL leaflet for infant gut, immune & prebiotic support
BENEO’s HMO leaflet highlights 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) in infant formula to support gut health, immunity, metabolism, and brain development, closer to breast milk.
