Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Benefits, Industry Trends, and Eurofins Methods
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a key component of infant formula, and Eurofins stands at the forefront of HMO testing and analytical analysis. HMOs are indigestible carbohydrates that make up 8% of breast milk solids. Scientists have identified over 200 different HMOs to date belonging to three main structural groups: fucosylated, sialylated, and neutral. The diversity of HMOs broadens their benefits for infant development but complicates testing and evaluation. In this blog, we outline the benefits, industry trends, and unique Eurofins methods for HMOs.
Benefits:
There are many benefits of HMOs, especially for infant development and immune function. Some scientifically backed benefits include:
- Function as a prebiotic through the promotion of beneficial intestinal bacteria growth
- Supply sialic acid for brain development
- Act as a decoy receptor for virial, bacterial, or parasitic pathogens to enhance intestinal epithelial and immune cell responses
Current Industry Trends:
Expansion of HMOs in infant formula:
Infant formula manufacturing is the largest application of HMOs. 2’FL is the most common HMO and is found in the majority of infant formula blends. Many manufacturers and companies have begun adding additional HMOs to their formulations, with up to 5 HMOs available in some products. Increasing the variety and quantity of HMOs in infant formula may expand the formula’s benefits but also complicates analytical analysis.
Reduced production costs and increased production scale:
Historically, the cost of HMO production restricted their use in infant formula and adult nutritionals. Infant formula companies are investing in scientific research and partnering with HMO producers to fund the development of novel, large-scale production methods. Current production improvements include metabolic engineering and fermentation or protein engineering and enzymatic synthesis.
Two ingredients, HMOs and proteins, make up 15% of all human milk solids and are important components of infant formula.
AOAC call for methods:
In 2020, AOAC put out a call for methods for the analysis of seven HMOs, each with Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs). As manufacturers increase the variety of HMOs in a single formulation, the necessity of methods for analyzing full HMO profiles grows. This call for methods aimed to improve the analytical testing possibilities for HMO analysis.
Eurofins Method - AOAC First Action Method:
Eurofins received First Action Status in April 2022, following almost 2 years of careful method development and validation. Importantly, this ISO 17025:2017 method can test up to 6 HMOs in a single injection.
Using standard HPLC instrumentation coupled to fluorescence detection alongside analytical grade reference standards results in simple, sensitive, and specific analysis and quantification of HMOs in infant formula. First, a simple preparation step is used for all infant formula samples, no matter the formulation. The analytes are first derivatized, or chemically altered, so they can be detected with fluorescence for high sensitivity. They are then separated by HILIC chromatography based on their hydrophilicity and size, followed by detection via fluorescence. In addition to the selectivity and sensitivity provided by HILIC and fluorescence detection, the use of analytical grade reference standards allows the most accurate quantification of the six HMOs. Overall, this method is a step forward for ensuring infant formula meets label claims in terms of ingredients and quantity.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to get in touch with a Eurofins scientist!
