HMOs have long been recognized for their essential role in infant nutrition and health and recent scientific advancements have shed light on the numerous health benefits that these natural compounds can offer across the lifespan.

“We continuously create research and clinical trials to further explore the effects of HMO supplementation on human health and to understand the structure and dose dependency of HMO,” says Dr. Katja Parschat, the head of research and development at Chr. Hansen HMO. 

“It is a strategic priority for us to invest in building in-depth knowledge in this emerging field and provide insights on the benefits of HMOs,” she adds.

Shaping the infant microbiome
The company reveals that clinical trials involving infants, children and adults consistently demonstrate that HMO supplementation is safe and well-tolerated.

Chr. Hansen further highlights that, though the HMOs used in these studies varied in complexity and dosage, the overarching conclusion remains the same. Namely, that HMOs are a safe addition to infant formula and dietary supplements.

Chr. Hansen’s survey reveals that HMOs can provide benefits for lifespan nutrition.Additionally, a key finding in the studies reviewed is the impact of HMOs on gut health. Infants receiving HMOs showed a remarkable shift in their gut microbiome composition, resembling that of infants fed with breast milk – considered to be the gold standard of infant nutrition.

The shift is marked by an increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacteria, known for their positive influence on intestinal health.

Moreover, Chr. Hansen states it is at the forefront of HMO research and production and has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of these complex compounds. 

In June, Chr. Hansen released the results of a study demonstrating how infant formula enriched with a blend of five HMOs can reshape the fecal microbiome of formula-fed infants, bringing it closer to that of breastfed infants.

“Our aim is to support the healthy development of infants that cannot be breastfed by providing HMOs as an ingredient for infant formula,” explains Parschat.

Beyond infant nutrition
Chr. Hansen also emphasizes that, while HMOs have long been associated with infant nutrition, recent research suggests that their benefits can extend far beyond early life. 

The company underscores that HMO supplementation has shown promising results in many and varied populations, with the findings indicating that the ingredients have the potential to bolster gut health and immune function in children and adults.

Furthermore, Chr. Hansen states that the research surrounding HMOs continually evolves and offers new insights into their potential for human health. The company also asserts that, due to these continued and ongoing studies and innovations, HMOs could potentially provide a new approach to nutrition and health across the lifespan.

“With the publication of the in-depth systematic review, Chr. Hansen contributes to building knowledge on the beneficial effects of HMO, assessing the current study level,” Parschat concludes. “We are happy to provide this to customers and researchers to facilitate and to collaborate on further insight building around HMOs.”