Nestlé Spain creates new formula with glycans found in human milk

After a decade of research, Nestlé Spain has unveiled a new infant formula that reproduces two human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) found in breast milk. Spain is now the first country to launch the product: two months ago it was distributed to hospitals and now it can be acquired in pharmacies. 

HMOs are the third most abundant solid component of breast milk, after fat and lactose. They play a key role in the healthy development of babies, preventing infections and promoting the growth of healthy bacteria.

Nestlé claims to be the first company to replicate and produce two HMO molecules for an infant formula. The ingredients have been approved by both the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration.

Global medical director of Nestlé Nutrition José M Saavedra said: “This is a significant breakthrough in infant feeding, because up until now HMOs were only found naturally in breast milk.

“Now, as a result of almost a decade of extensive research, Nestlé has been able to replicate these constituents which are identical to those found in breast milk.”

Nestlé's research has not only found that the formula with these HMOs assure adequate growth, but they also help the composition of newborns' gut flora to be similar to babies who are breastfed.

The study also found that babies fed the new formula showed a reduction in the number of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Marisa Vidal, medical director of infant nutrition for Nestlé Spain, said: “This scientific breakthrough offers important benefits in the field of infant nutrition. Without doubt, it is a great step forward in fulfilling our ambition to improve quality of life and contribute to a healthier future.”

Links: http://www.foodbev.com/news/nestle-spain-creates-new-formula-glycans-found-human-milk/