DSM’s HMO approved in Canada for consumption by infants and toddlers

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Royal DSM’s human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HMO) GlyCare 2’-fucosyllactose (2FL) was approved in Canada for use in infant formula and nutritional supplements for toddlers aged one to three years of age. The department conducted a comprehensive assessment of the oligosaccharide according to its Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods. It concluded, “there are no allergy concerns associated with the 2FL ingredient’ and “there are no differences in the nutritional value of this 2FL carbohydrate compared to other carbohydrates available for consumption.” 

“As a purpose-driven leader in the early life nutrition space, we’re committed to providing the best nutrition to all infants that don’t enjoy the privilege of being breast fed,” said Christoph Röhrig, head of HMO regulatory at DSM, in a press release. “Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, so we strive to develop formulas that are as similar to breast milk in composition and functionality as possible. Not too long ago though, HMOs were only available to breast fed infants. Recent technological advances now allow for the development and addition of HMOs to infant and toddler formula products. The market for these bioactive compounds is fast growing, as their potential role in infant development and overall human health is becoming increasingly recognized.”