Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size, Share, By Product Type (2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL), 3’-Fucosyllactose (3’FL), 3’-Sialyllactose (3’SL), 6’-Sialyllactose (6’SL), Lacto-N-Tetraose (LNT), and Difucosyl-N-Acetyllactosamine (Lnnt)), By Application (Infant Formula, Food Supplements, Dietary Supplements and Health Ingredients For Human and Animals), and By Region - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2034

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size was valued at USD 197.28 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1163.8 Million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 21.5%

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates and constitute the third most abundant solid component in human breast milk after lactose and lipids. They comprise five monosaccharides, making the HMOs unique in their complexity and diversity, with more than 200 different types identified. Though these compounds are not digestible in an infant who is suckling, they serve a very vital role in the development of the infant. They act as prebiotics, drive the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and show antimicrobial activity, thus preventing pathogens from sticking to the walls of the intestines. They also help modulate the immune system and might be involved in cognitive development. The precise and individualized makeup of HMOs further differs from that in adults and changes over time with the development of the lactation period. Their immense health benefits underpin why HMOs are central to scientific curiosity for chemical synthesis in infant formula and other health-boosting therapeutics. HMOs' structure diversity and complexity are not duplicated to that level found in human milk by other mammals' milk. HMOs are one particular component of human milk. Interest in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) has increased in the past few years because of their potential benefits and applications.

These oligosaccharides have prebiotic effects in the gut, with their actions helping to establish a healthy gut microbiome in infants that is important for overall health and immune system development. Consequently, this has spurred efforts to add synthesized HMOs to infant formulae better to imitate breast milk's health benefits for such babies. HMOs have also been found to be therapeutically applied in other disease processes apart from infant nutrition. They could be considered for anti-infective treatment to help prevent such infections by blocking the adhesion of pathogens to the epithelial cells. Some research indicates that HMOs may be anti-inflammatory and can be used to manage inflammatory diseases of the bowel or allergies. Research using HMOs for maintaining digestive health and immune building is being explored in adult nutrition. Research also proves their possible roles in cognitive function and brain health among all age groups. With analytical techniques moving ahead for more accurate characterization and synthesis of HMOs, applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals are sure to be explored more. However, it should be noted that although it has been promising, most of the applications of HMOs in the above sections are still in research stages and need further clinical studies to establish their efficacy and safety under different contexts.

Demand for Breast Milk-like Infant Formula

• Nowadays, parents are looking for more infant formulas that are similar to breast milk in nutritional and functional benefits. They are an essential component of breast milk, and their addition to infant formula helps narrow the gap between breastfed babies and those fed with it. Indeed, emerging scientific studies have now identified other health benefits of HMO, which have been shown to promote gut health and immune function, not only in infants but in adults as well, to the extent that protection against central nervous system inflammation can be conferred, possibly supporting cognitive and brain health.

Growing Focus on Gut Health:

• The use and understanding of gut health and general well-being are arising. As prebiotics, HHOs can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help obtain a healthy gut microbiome. This revived interest in using HMOs as a dietary supplement or functional food ingredient has been derived. Unquestioningly, increasing levels of social awareness are now steering more agreements regarding the benefits of HMOs in using HMO-containing products for infant formula or functional foods and beverages, as well as a general adult nutrition approach.

Restrains:

Complex Production Process:

• HMO synthesis is a highly complex and costly process because HMO exists as a natural ingredient in an extensive range of complex structures. Through this diversity in structures, the unique functionalities of HMOs in breast milk reside. However, it isn't straightforward to produce such a diversity of structures. Only a few HMOs are produced in Food Supplements in feasible quantities using microbial fermentation and enzymatic production techniques. In addition to influencing cost-effectiveness in HMO production, such complexity also limits the availability of particular HMOs with unique health benefits. Thus, manufacturers may need help formulating products with the optimum mixture of HMO to pronounced functionalities.

Opportunities:

Personalization:

• HMO formulation can be personalized according to the constitution of the gut microbiome. Such an effort of personalization in a concerted way could redefine the concept of preventive and proactive healthcare practice. For example, gut microbiome analysis-based targeted HMO supplements or functional food formulations can be applied to a specific health condition. For instance, an HMO formulation for a person with a history of digestive problems might promote the growth of beneficial bacteria that support gastrohealth and one's digestive function. A contraindication or interaction of an HMO mixture with an athlete might increase immunity and reduce inflammation during heavy training.

The market is segmented based on Product Type, Application, and Region.

Product Type Insights:

• 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL): Studies show 2'FL supports growth in good gut bacteria and is part of a normal healthy immune system. It also supports cognitive development in the brain by fostering the growth of some neural cells.
• 3’-Fucosyllactose (3’FL): 3'FL is proven to modulate the profile of the microbiome and favor the growth of the commensals while keeping pathogens in check. In this interaction, the immune competence is enhanced, while the risk for infections in the gastrointestinal tract is decreased.
• 3’-Sialyllactose (3’SL): 3'SL helps to exert the right establishment of gut microbiota in early life, which largely determines overall health and immune capability for a lifetime through a progressive shape of the host immune function. A recent study showed strain promotion of beneficial bacteria and a reduction of infections.
• 6’-Sialyllactose (6’SL): 6'SL acts as a decoy molecule, binding to pathogens in the gut and not allowing them to attach to the gut. Therefore, the pathogen is prohibited from causing a related risk of infection or inflammation in the digestive system.
• Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) can stimulate the growth of Bifidobacteria, which prevents pathogens and promotes good immune system health. LNT can also decrease gut inflammation.
• Difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (LNnT): It can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and reduce the risk of allergies by modulating the immune system.

Application Insights:

• Infant Formula: It has the largest market share segment due to the necessity of formulas that can replicate all the nutritional and functional benefits that mother's milk offers. This is important for babies who have been on a complete formula diet since birth and for those who only partially breastfeed. HMO in baby formula provides good gut health—challenging digestion and nutrient absorption—foundational to each child's immune system functioning. Recent studies indicate that HMO may also be necessary for cognitive development and brain health.
• Food Supplements: Adults are looking for any health benefit they can receive from HMOs, including better gut health, immune function, and cognitive performance.
• Dietary Supplements: HMO dietary supplements contain human milk oligosaccharides, complex sugars naturally found in breast milk, providing potential health benefits. Still, in its nascent stage as a segment of dietary supplements, the HMO supplement industry finds its promise in emerging studies.
• Health Ingredients for Humans and Animals: HMOs can be added to functional foods and beverages to enhance gut health, immune function, and cognitive performance. Such products include yogurt, cereals, enriched drinks, and snack bars. HMOs in animal feed have potential applications: improved gut health and animal performance. Several key benefits could be reaped by adding HMOs to animal feed.

Regional Insights

• North America: This is a mature market; HMO-fortified infant formula has already gained a significant share. There is a high disposable income for investing in premium products containing HMOs. There is also growing interest in functional foods and dietary supplements containing HMOs for adults.
• Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific is the forerunner in the global market. This is ascribed to the large population base, increasing disposable incomes, and increasing awareness of the multiple benefits of HMOs in infant nutrition. The infant formula market is fast-growing, with increasing demand for premium formulas fortified with HMOs. There is also growing interest in functional food and beverage applications that use HMOs.
• Europe: Strong demand has been shown for HMOs in infant formulae due to the high focus given to an infant's health. Increased consumer health awareness will open up greater functional food applications with HMOs. There is also a greater preference for natural and organic food products possibly containing HMOs.
• Latin America: An emerging market, with the use of HMO-fortified infant formula increasing. A growing middle class with increasing disposable income for spending on HMO-containing products. An understanding of the importance of early childhood nutritional products includes HMO.
• Middle East and Africa: It is a growing region, but a strong challenge exists. The high birth rate and urbanization will lead to a future customer segment for the HMO product and an increase in awareness of using HMO to increase the health of the infant segment, which will be a potential demand segment for HMO infant formula.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Report Scope:

Segments Covered in the Report:

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2024 to 2034. For the purpose of this study segmented the target market report based on Product Type, Application, and Region.

Segmentation:

By Product Type:

• 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL)
• 3’-Fucosyllactose (3’FL)
• 6’-Sialyllactose (6’SL)
• Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT)
• Difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (LNnT)

By Application:

• Infant Formula
• Food Supplements
• Dietary Supplements
• Health Ingredients for Human and Animals

By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

The key players operating the Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market include DSM, BASF SE, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Dupont, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., Nestlé Health Science, Abbott Laboratories, Glycom A/S, Glycosyn, Inbiose NV, Medolac Laboratories, Neolacta.

• In March 2024, Wyeth, announced the launched of China's first infant formula with two types of HMOs, paving the stage for HMO innovation. The recently developed illuma HMO Liquid Formula, which fills a gap in the local HMO market, is the first in China to incorporate two key HMOs, 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNNT). This professionally proven product significantly benefits the overall well-being of neonates aged 0 to 12 months. It reduces lower respiratory tract infections by 55%, bronchitis by 70%, and the chance of antibiotic use by 53%. The project's sponsors are Nestlé Research & Development (China) and Wyeth Nutrition.
• In November 2023, Nestlé, announced the launched of HMO-enriched newborn food in China to promote gastrointestinal and immunological health. Nestlé has unveiled a growing-up milk solution supplemented with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for sale in mainland China under the Wyeth Illuma brand. The introduction follows clearance from China's National Health Commission for using these bioactive. HMOs support the growing immune system and babies by generating a protective gut microbiota, preventing infections, and strengthening the gut barrier. HMOs provide sialic acid, which plays a crucial role in brain development.

• DSM*
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• BASF SE
• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
• Dupont
• Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
• Nestlé Health Science
• Abbott Laboratories
• Glycom A/S
• Glycosyn
• Inbiose NV
• Medolac Laboratories
• Neolacta

“*” marked represents similar segmentation in other categories in the respective section.