Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a natural nutrient with a wide range of applications. They can be consumed directly or added to various foods. For direct consumption, human milk oligosaccharides can be stirred into warm water or milk. When added to foods, human milk oligosaccharides can be mixed in according to the characteristics of the specific food.

End-Use Applications of Human Milk Oligosaccharide Products

1. Infant Formula: Human milk oligosaccharides are key components of breast milk, and adding human milk oligosaccharides to infant formula provides similar nutrients to breast milk, supporting healthy growth in infants.
2. Medical Nutrition: Human milk oligosaccharides can be used in medical nutrition formulas, such as those designed for treating cow's milk protein allergies.
3. Functional Foods: Human milk oligosaccharides can be added to functional foods, like probiotic or immune-boosting foods, to enhance their nutritional and health benefits.
4. Pharmaceuticals: Human milk oligosaccharides have potential applications in developing treatments for intestinal and immune-related diseases.

Approval Status in Various Regions

• United States: Human milk oligosaccharides are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
• Europe, Australia, and New Zealand: The European Food Safety Authority and the Food Standards Australia New Zealand regulate human milk oligosaccharides as novel food ingredients.

To date, the U.S. and EU have approved the use of human milk oligosaccharides such as 2'-FL, 3-FL, LNT, LNnT, 3'-SL, 6'-SL, and the mixture 2'-FL/difucosyllactose (DFL). In the U.S., the combination lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP-1)/2'-FL has also been approved.

• China: The National Health Commission has approved 2′-FL (2′-fucosyllactose) and LNnT (lacto-N-neotetraose) as food fortification agents. These can be used in infant formula, formulated milk powder for children, and specialized medical foods for infants.