BASF's Human Nutrition Newtrition® brand is introducing 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL), the largest share of human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), to the infant nutrition market in early 2019. HMO is a unique class of carbohydrates that occur naturally in breast milk and is the second most nutritious component of breast milk after fat and lactose. 2'-Fucosyllactose is produced by microbial fermentation of a genetically modified strain of E. coli. The range of food used includes ingredients for one stage of infant formula (0-1 year), two stage of infant formula (6 months-1 year), infant formula for special dietary uses and toddler formula supplements. Studies have shown that 2'-Fucosyllactose supports a healthy gut microbial composition and immune system development, prevents allergic diseases, and plays an important role in normal brain function and cognitive development in humans. Based on its ability to deal with mucosal inflammation, 2'-FL is also a promising ingredient in the field of digestive health.

Breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant nutrition. Most women's naturally produced breast milk contains 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL). 2'-FL is a major component of breast milk, but is not found in cow's milk, and there are no commercially available products of 2'-FL. 2'-FL is a prebiotic for symbiotic intestinal bacteria, which metabolize the prebiotic into short-chain fatty acids, that are used as energy sources for colon cells and stimulates the absorption of sodium and water. Therefore, formulas marketed as breast milk substitutes do not provide the richest content of this component in breast milk. Most infants have a history of exposure to naturally occurring 2'-FL (via breast milk) and no history of exposure to 2'-FL produced by other routes. 2'-FL commercially produced products are essentially chemically equivalent to 2'-FL naturally occurring in breast milk.