Unlocking the science of HMOs for infant health
Clinical research is advancing our understanding of the early-life microbiome and immune development
At Novonesis, we are committed to pioneering science that shapes the future of infant nutrition. Our ongoing clinical study, in collaboration with Technical University of Denmark, University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University, is a key step forward in understanding how Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) influence gut microbiota, immune development, and long-term health outcomes.
A closer look at the study
The study explores the effects of 5 HMOs on healthy infants. While HMOs are well-known for their presence in breast milk, this clinical research goes further - providing new evidence on their broader role in supporting health during infancy.
Our study applies state-of-the-art microbiome technologies, including high-resolution sequencing and advanced compositional profiling, to capture a detailed picture of how HMOs support early immune education and gut health.
What we're looking into:
Microbiota composition: Measuring the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, in the infant gut
Immune system development: Analyzing immune markers using infant blood samples
Microbiome maturation and functionality: Leveraging deep sequencing to explore how HMOs support gut development
Growth and tolerability: Evaluating the nutritional safety and acceptance of the 5HMOMIX
Why this is important
Early-life nutrition has a profound impact on long-term health. HMOs are a major component in breast milk and have been studied for many years. Recently, HMOs were added to infant formula, and clinical trials demonstrated safety, tolerance, and short-term health effects. Research on long-term health effects remains lacking, and we aim to address this scientific gap. With this study, Novonesis is generating clinically robust evidence that supports the use of HMOs as a functional component in infant formula - to ensure all infants have access to vital nutrients, providing a solution for those who cannot benefit from breast milk.
Through this study, we continue to strengthen the scientific foundation of HMO research, with the goal to:
- Strengthen and validate research on the health effects of HMOs in infancy
- Support innovation in infant nutrition
- Deepen scientific understanding of HMOs across early life stages
About our HMO science leadership
With decades of expertise in microbial science and biotechnology, Novonesis is at the forefront of HMO innovation. We collaborate with leading research institutions to ensure that our products are not only inspired by nature - but also backed by clinical validation.
Insights from ESPGHAN: The Early-Life Microbiome and HMOs
At the recent ESPGHAN conference, we hosted a panel session exploring how the early-life microbiome influences long-term health. The discussion was lead by Henrik Munch Roager (University of Copenhagen) and Novonesis scientists Andrea Qvortrup Holst and Yannik Schönknecht.
The session focused on the important role of early nutrition - including Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) - in supporting development.
Key Highlights from ESPGHAN:
1. The microbiome plays a crucial role in early life health. Microbial communities and their metabolites support gut function, immune development, and long-term health.
2. More research is needed to define a "healthy" microbiome. Current studies lack clear markers and long-term data on how early microbiome interventions affect health outcomes.
3. Promising early findings on HMOs and other biotics. While clinical trials show potential, more advanced research is required to fully understand the lasting benefits of modifying the microbiome in infancy.
Interested in learning more about HMOs?
Explore our review of Novonesis’ research on supplementing with precision-fermented HMOs — including key findings on their role in infant health, immune development, and the microbiome.
Disclaimer
This content is intended exclusively for business-to-business purposes for a professional audience only and is not intended to target consumers.