Chr. Hansen’s latest infant probiotic boosts gut barrier function and immunity

13 Oct 2023 --- Danish bioscience manufacturer Chr. Hansen has unveiled its Istilos B infantis probiotic strain for improved gut barrier function in infants and developing a robust immune system.  

The strain has been isolated from the intestine of a healthy infant and has a Qualified Presumption of Safety status in Europe. It has also been notified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and with “no questions” from the US Food and Drug Administration. 

This year, the company achieved significant success for its human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) offerings. For example, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs granted approval in the first step of its process for three key HMOs – 2′-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), lacto-n-tetraose (LNT) and 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL).

Metabolite multiplication
The strain has been an ingredient in food and supplements since the early 2000s. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Bifin02 was trademarked with the commercial name Istilos B. infantis in 2023.

In clinical trials, the strain was shown to produce metabolites that improve the development of the immune system and gut barrier function. The strain is highly specialized in HMO use.

In an open-label trial, 23 newborns received a three-strain blend containing IIstilos B. infantis, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12 and L. rhamnosus LGG for 28 days. The strain demonstrated it could seed and thrive in the gut of the tested infants.The Istilos B. infantis strain by Chr. Hansen helps babies develop a robust immune system.

The first 100 days after birth are crucial to developing a healthy gut microbiome. 

During these first 1000 days of a baby’s life, a healthy microbiome is characterized by teeming bifidobacteria, essential for intestinal function. Antibiotics can disrupt this balance and lead to an increased risk of health challenges throughout life.

Strict contamination protocol
Chr. Hansen’s extra production requirements include extended contaminant testing and stricter environmental monitoring and cleaning requirements before production to eliminate contamination risk.

Last month, the company’s HMO science team revealed the results of a comprehensive review of 26 clinical studies, which provides compelling evidence on the safety, toleration and positive effects of HMO supplementation during infancy, early childhood and beyond.

In addition, Chr. Hansen received regulatory approvals for HMOs for infant formula from authorities across the EU, US, Canada and Israel. The company notes that the developments are paving the way for more global market entries and higher usage levels.

By Inga de Jong