Chr. Hansen study, the largest data set to date, on the Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) confirms the safety of intake even at high concentrations

Chr. Hansen study, the largest data set to date, on the Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) confirms the safety of intake even at high concentrations

(PRESS RELEASE) HOERSHOLM, Denmark, 11-Apr-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — Chr Hansen Holding A/S (CPH: CHR), a Danish bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, has announced the release of its study, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, on HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) concentrations in human milk. The analysis, which relies on the largest data set to date, confirms the safety of intake even at high concentrations and paves the way for developing next-generation infant formula. According to the study, HMOs, which are important groups of carbohydrates in human breast milk, can, in some cases, be secreted in very high concentrations, and still be safe and well-tolerated by infants.

The systematic review compiles data from several dozens of observational peer-reviewed studies for the five most prevalent HMOs in breast milk. It presents the largest data set analyzed to date and provides state-of-the-art information to support the appropriate and safe levels of HMO supplementation in infant formula.

Whereas studies have so far focused on the quantitation of HMOs in human milk, this review determines the natural concentrations of HMOs. The concentration levels vary depending on the mother’s health and genetics, environmental and geographical factors, gastational age (pregnancy progression) and lactation stage. The objective of the new study was to provide a clearer perspective on natural HMO concentrations and distribution in breast milk, as this is important to develop next-generation infant formula products with an HMO composition that is closer to breast milk.

Closer to nature and respecting natural variations
“Breastfeeding is the best way to ensure infant health and recommended by WHO. At Chr. Hansen, we further aim to support the healthy development of infants that cannot be breastfed by providing HMOs as an ingredient and blend for infant formula. We are excited to publish this study of the five most prevalent HMOs in breast milk, which are all included in Chr. Hansen’s 5HMO-Mix in concentrations closer to nature and respecting the natural variations,” says Jesper Sig Mathiasen, senior vice president, Chr. Hansen HMO.

“The study presents important statistical data to help support the level of appropriate HMO supplementation in infant formula and confirms the safety of intake at concentrations higher than average. We see it as yet another testimony to our HMO offering,” he notes.

Conclusions of the study
Out of over 150 HMOs identified in human breastmilk, the five most prevalent and best studied HMOs are 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL), and 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL).

Results show a wide distribution of HMO concentrations in breast milk, ranging up to as much as 10 g/L for the most prevalent one, 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL). Please see figure 1.

Fig. 1: HMO distribution in breast milk (adapted from Parschat et al., 2022)
The safety, tolerability, and health benefits of Chr. Hansen’s 5HMO-Mix have already been demonstrated in previous scientific studies (1). Infants fed infant formula containing the 5HMO-Mix demonstrated similar digestive parameters and stooling patterns as breastfed infants.

Developed in 2019, Chr. Hansen’s 5HMO-Mix is already commercially available in North America, with approvals pending in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

What is HMO?
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant component found in breast milk. They are one of several important components through which breastfeeding is explained to be gold standard for infant nutrition. Latest research shows that HMOs contribute to breastfeeding-mediated benefits, such as supporting the immune system, and healthy brain development. Also, HMOs are indicated to support gut maturation and resilience, as well as promotion of a balanced gut microbiome.

Breastfeeding is best
Chr. Hansen supports the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) towards breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding together with complementary foods.

1) Parschat, K., Melsaether, C., Jäpelt, K. R., & Jennewein, S. (2021). Clinical evaluation of 16-week supplementation with 5HMO-Mix in healthy-term human infants to determine tolerability, safety, and effect on growth. Nutrients, 13(8), 2871.

Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for over 145 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 40,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As one of the world’s most sustainable companies, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose – To grow a better world. Naturally. – is at the heart of everything we do.

Media contacts:

Helle Rexen
Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications
Phone: +45 45 74 76 36
Mobile: +45 20 74 28 40

Yannick Vanderveeren
Head of Media Relations
Corporate Communications
Phone: +45 20 68 64 25
Mobile: +45 20 68 64 25

SOURCE: Chr. Hansen Holding A/S