Functional ingredient specialist dsm-firmenich has attained FSSAI approval for the use of its human milk oligosaccharide, GLYCARE 2FL, in early life nutrition products throughout India.
This follows the recent approval of dsm-firmenich's HMO ingredient, LNFP-I, by the European Commission — as well as the company's debut of Dry Vit A Palmitate, an early life nutraceutical designed to address vitamin A deficiency.
The 2'-O-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) ingredient is now approved for use in infants, with a maximum recommended intake of 1.2 grams per litre of formula per day.
Being one of the top three most abundant solid components of human breast milk, HMOs can allow the creation of early life nutritional formulations that closely resemble breast milk, and has become a popular choice — replacing soluble fibre in many formulations.
2'-FL plays a key part in the development of the gut microbiome
HMOs and gut health
In recent years, research has shown that human milk oligosaccharides play an important role in health during early life, being linked to gut health and immune development.
2'-FL has been shown to play a key part in the development of the gut microbiome, facilitating the growth of beneficial 'good' bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, while reducing the incidence of infection and illness; likely through its impact on gut microbiome diversity.
HMOs have also been touted for their cognitive development benefits, as well as their ability to reduce allergy risk in infants.
With a sizeable proportion of mothers in India and further afield unable to breastfeed, the nutraceutical industry has a duty to provide effective alternatives that aid the natural development of the gut microflora, promoting optimal health in this vulnerable population.
"We currently have a strong portfolio of eight HMOs, with even more currently under development," noted Purvesh Shah, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs APAC, HNC, dsm-firmenich.
“This regulatory win can allow early life nutrition brands across the region to create hypoallergenic and science-backed products that can help bottle fed infants to receive the best nutrition in a critical period in their lives."
dsm-firmenich now has HMO approvals and product registrations spanning more than 165 countries, highlighting the company's reach in the global early nutrition market.
"This is our first HMO approval in India, and we hope that this milestone will pave the way for new research and product innovation opportunities for early life nutrition and beyond," concluded Srilatha Sreepathy, Director of Regulatory Affairs APAC, HNC, dsm-firmenich.