Expanding infant nutrition: Advanced Lipids launches two new formula ingredients mimicking human breast milk

02 Dec 2019 --- Advanced Lipids, a joint venture of AAK and Frutarom, is launching two new additions to its Infat range of ingredients for infant formula. Infat Pro offers higher levels of SN-2 palmitate, which are structured triglycerides that mimic the composition and the structure of human milk fat. SN-2 is already known to offer a range of benefits for babies, including longer sleep duration and reduced crying. Infat MF, on the other hand, presents a special blend containing milk fat. The new product launches mark the end of a “one-size-fits-all” approach in infant formula markets, according to the Sweden-headquartered manufacturer.

“Infat Pro allows formula manufacturers to get even closer to the benefits of breast milk. It offers all the advantages of our original formulation but with even more SN-2 palmitate. This means fat, calcium and other essential nutrients can be better absorbed, supporting infant health and development,” explains Dr. Marcus Gliwitzki, CEO of Advanced Lipids.

Breastfed babies receive many of their nutritional needs from palmitic acid, the most common saturated fatty acid in humans. Seventy to 80 percent of palmitic acid in human breast milk is attached to the glycerol backbone in the SN-2 position, which facilitates calcium and fat absorption. However, in many oils used in formula, SN-2 concentration is as low as 8 to 10 percent. In a study, Advanced Lipids’ SN-2 infant formula ingredient Infat was found to have the potential to support healthy bone growth.

Infat notably already contains around 40 to 45 percent SN-2 palmitate, enabling formulas to more closely provide many of the benefits of breast milk. Research has shown that babies fed with formula containing Infat cry less and sleep more. Other benefits include greater comfort, supporting bone strength and supporting healthy gut bacteria. The new premium product, Infat Pro, offers even higher levels of SN-2 palmitate – as much as 60 percent – allowing better absorption of calcium and fat.

“Infat Pro allows formula manufacturers to get even closer to the benefits of breast milk. It offers all the advantages of our original formulation but with even more SN-2 palmitate. This means fat, calcium and other essential nutrients can be better absorbed, supporting infant health and development,” notes Dr. Gliwitzki.

Advanced Lipids suggests that the “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer works in formula markets.Advanced Lipids is also introducing to market Infat MF, a special blend made with milk fat. Adding lipid components from milk to formula offers natural taste, and together with high SN-2, the product is designed to offer “the best of both worlds.” In addition to Infat, Infat Pro, and Infat MF, Advanced Lipids offers Infat Plus, which is designed to be closer to the structure of the breast milk of women from China. 

SN-2 palmitate is increasing in popularity in China’s infant formula market. Infant formula containing SN-2 palmitate accounted for almost 40 percent of the retail value of the US$48 billion global formula market last year. 

There have been some reports indicating that human milk composition varies across different geographies and ethnicities. However, a Fonterra-led study focusing on women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) found that their average concentrations of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), phospholipids (PLs) and gangliosides (GAs) were within the typical ranges reported for other ethnic cohorts.

Notably, the researchers of the UAE study underscore that there are more similarities than differences for HMOs, PLs and GAs in human breast milk from different geographical locations and ethnicities. This suggests that each component has a specific biological and functional role linked to the timing of lactation.

In spite of these findings, Advanced Lipids suggests that the “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer works in formula markets. “It’s increasingly important for manufacturers to offer consumers a choice. We’ve worked hard to develop these innovative additions to our range and we’re delighted to have the chance to showcase them at Food Ingredients Europe (FiE),” says Ronald van der Knaap, Chairman of Advanced Lipids.

By Benjamin Ferrer