HMOs in a nutshell
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a collection of carbohydrate structures and the third most abundant solid component in human milk after lipids and lactose.
dsm-firmenich's HMO platform offerings are supported by the latest preclinical and clinical data. These innovative solutions are designed to help you formulate purpose-led products that effectively support key health outcomes in infants, children and across the lifespan. In addition, you can rely on our deep regulatory expertise to navigate safety and approval procedures with speed and confidence.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a collection of carbohydrate structures and the third most abundant solid component in human milk after lipids and lactose.1 Clinical research has shown that HMOs may help to optimize microbiota development in infants by nourishing beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria – one of the most abundant microbial genera present in the intestine of a full-term, breast-fed, healthy newborn.2 A healthy gut microbiota could in turn help to protect against harmful microbes and support healthy immune system development.3 HMOs are an important component of human milk, which is the gold standard for infant nutrition.4 HMOs can also be synthetically incorporated into formula milk as a nutritional and functional ingredient.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a collection of carbohydrate structures and the third most abundant solid component in human milk after lipids and lactose.
HMOs in human milk
At least 200 different HMOs have been identified in human milk
Prebiotic agents
HMOs act as prebiotic agents to promote optimal microbiota development in infants
Infant health and development
HMOs may directly and indirectly influence overall infant health and development
Here at dsm-firmenich, we believe in offering science backed solutions to help babies around the world to lead a brighter life. Thanks to new advances in science, the emerging health benefits of HMOs can be leveraged to support infants throughout the first thousand days. Learn more about how dsm-firmenich can support your ambitions in early life nutrition with its industry-leading capabilities.
Tap into the latest science around HMOs, as well as the global trends and regulatory approvals shaping the future of ELN innovation in this informative webinar.
Expert insights from Dr. Lars Bode, Director of the Human Milk Institute at the University of California, and Niels Banke, Chief Scientific Officer for HMOs at dsm-firmenich.
The emerging science behind HMOs suggests potentially wide-ranging health benefits in and beyond infancy. Download our whitepaper to discover the key mechanisms of action and latest insights on how HMOs may positively impact infant health.
dsm-firmenich offers one of the broadest portfolios of commercially-available HMOs suitable for a range of applications, and our products are approved for use in more than 160 countries. Offering straight and premix capabilities for HMOs as well as market-ready solutions to help you bring your next innovation to consumers faster, we’re your end-to-end partner in developing purpose-led products.
Beyond ingredients, it takes a partner to achieve the most ambitious product goals. To help support optimal infant development and health outcomes during and beyond early life, dsm-firmenich is spearheading innovation in the field of HMOs. Our extensive range of HMOs is complemented by a broad portfolio of science-backed products and customized solutions. In addition, our regulatory expertise and comprehensive range of expert services provide tailored support across the entire product life cycle – from concept to consumer. Get in touch to discover how we can co-create your next HMO innovation.
Discover new science behind human milk oligosaccharides in gut health and immunity to guide your next supplement development.
Discover the potential of synergistic synbiotics in supporting infant gut health and development, as presented by dsm-firmenich and Lallemand Health Solutions at ESPGHAN 2024.
Explore the science behind synbiotic solutions combining HMOs and probiotics plus their benefits for infant health and development.
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