FrieslandCampina secures 2’-FL approval in ANZ, eyes HMO portfolio expansion

31-Oct-2022 - Last updated on 31-Oct-2022 at 01:34 GMT

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant component of breast milk, after lactose and lipids. ©Getty Images

Related tags Frieslandcampina 2’-fucosyllactose HMOs

FrieslandCampina said its 2’-fucosyllactose trademarked Aequival has been approved by Australia’s and New Zealand’s authorities for use in infant milk formula, and that it is on track in expanding its human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) portfolio.

Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3′-Sialyllactose (3′-SL), and 6′-Sialyllactose (6′-SL) are some of the other HMOs that the firm is focusing on.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) granted the firm a 15-month exclusivity for its non-GMO 2’-FL fermented using lactose as a substrate.

One of the most abundant HMOs, 2’-FL, together with other HMOs, serves as “food” for beneficial gut bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium.

A study published in The ISME Journal reported that B. bifidum and B. infantis could consume a wide range of HMOs, such as 2’-FL, 3-FL, lactodifucotetraose (LDFT), and LNT.

B. longum, on the other hand, consumed LNT, and fucosylated HMOs such as 2’-FL, and 3-FL.

In infants, a gut microbiota dominated by Bifidobacterium has been found to support gut health and produce beneficial metabolites that contribute to immune system development. Examples of these metabolites include acetate and 1,2-propanediol.

FrieslandCampina says that the approval is only a start to its HMO business in ANZ.

“2’-FL is a great start, but we believe that including a variety of HMOs in infant milk formula may offer a wider range of health benefits.

“That’s because each has a different mode of action. Some play a role in the establishment of the infant gut microbiota and its metabolism, while others can prevent pathogens attaching to intestinal cells and causing infection.

“As a result, our focus is on expanding our HMO portfolio, launching LNT, 3’-SL, 6’-SL and 3-FL. In fact, samples of Aequival^® LNT are already available for customers to trial,” Sophie Nicolas, marketing manager, Early Life Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients said.

The firm entered the HMO market in 2019, but prior to that, it has been producing oligosaccharides ingredients, such as the galacto-oligosaccharide marketed Vivinal.

Aside from 2’-FL, the FSANZ has also approved lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) for use in infant formula products.

Related rules

In addition, the FSANZ earlier said that it might allow the infant formula companies to use a combination of oligosaccharides in their products.

In July, FSANZ began a public consultation on amending the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the combination of 2’-FL with GOS, and/or inulin-type fructans (ITF) in infant formulas.

This was in response to an application to amend the code.

“All three ingredients are already permitted for use in infant formula products individually. However, the safety and tolerance of them in combination has not previously been assessed by FSANZ and is currently prohibited in the Code.

“FSANZ's safety assessment found no health or safety concerns with the combination in infant formula products.

“If approved, the current prohibition in the Code will be removed, allowing the three oligosaccharides to be used together at existing permitted maximum use levels,” FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said.