Maeil Dairies Launches Infant Formula Containing 'Breast Milk Oligosaccharides,' Previously Only Available Through Breastfeeding

Technical Collaboration with Bio Venture Company AP Technology

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Maeil Dairies announced on the 6th that it plans to launch the first domestic infant formula in Korea containing 2'-O-fucosyllactose (hereafter 2'-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide, through technological cooperation with the bio-venture company AP Technology.

Maeil Dairies established Korea's first human milk research institute, the 'Maeil Asia Human Milk Research Institute,' in 2011. The institute has led the domestic infant food market through human milk nutrition analysis, development of special infant formulas for congenital metabolic disorder patients, and the Absolute Baby Stool Solution service. Notably, the results of human milk nutrition analysis are directly reflected in their infant formula products.

Maeil Dairies focused on the human milk oligosaccharide 2’-FL, which exists in human milk but has not yet been applied to domestically produced infant formulas. Since 2018, they have been conducting joint research on human milk oligosaccharides with AP Technology. Human milk oligosaccharides are the third most abundant nutrient in human milk after carbohydrates (lactose) and fats. They influence the infant's immune system and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. However, they exist only in trace amounts in the milk of other mammals such as cows, making breastfeeding the only alternative method to obtain them. Human milk oligosaccharides, present at about 5-15 g/ℓ in human milk, contain immune-related components, with 2’-FL being the most abundant among them.

2’-FL is an essential component involved in the immune system (suppressing the secretion of inflammatory substances), formation of beneficial gut microbiota, and brain development. Research results indicate that intake of 2’-FL helps strengthen immunity by suppressing the secretion of inflammatory substances, promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria, inhibits harmful bacteria, and improves bowel conditions.

AP Technology obtained the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) certification for 2’-FL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2021, the first in Korea. GRAS is the highest level of food safety certification granted by the FDA for food ingredients. Additionally, in April 2021, they received safety approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for consumption in infant formula for infants and young children.

A Maeil Dairies official stated, “After long-term joint research with AP Technology, Maeil Dairies is the first domestic infant formula company to introduce infant formula containing the human milk oligosaccharide 2’-FL. We ask for much interest in Maeil Dairies’ new infant formula, created by experts who truly understand human milk, based on a sincere commitment to infant health.”

The new infant formula to be introduced by Maeil Dairies is scheduled to be launched in the market soon, with a release planned for early November.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.