HUMAN MILK OLIGOSACCHARIDES MARKET ANALYSIS

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size and Trends

The human milk oligosaccharides market is estimated to be valued at USD 298.6 Mn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 770.5 Mn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% from 2024 to 2031.

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Rising awareness about the health benefits of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for infant nutrition is driving the growth of the market. HMOs play an important role in boosting immune health, gut health, and brain development. They act as prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial microbes in intestines. With growing working women population, the demand for formula-fed babies is increasing globally. Manufacturers are focusing on fortifying infant formulas with HMOs to provide functional benefits similar to breast milk. The emerging applications of HMOs in food & beverages, pharmaceutical, and personal care products is expected to open new growth opportunities for the market in the coming years.

Drivers of the Market:

Benefits of HMOs for infant gut health and immunity

As scientific research progresses, the benefits of human milk oligosaccharides or HMOs for infant health are being increasingly recognized. Numerous clinical studies in the past decade have demonstrated that HMOs play a critical role in developing the gut microbiota and priming infant immunity. HMOs are the third largest solid component of human breast milk after fat and lactose, and there are over 200 structurally different oligosaccharides present in milk. However, HMOs are not digestible by infants as they lack the enzymes to break them down.

Instead, HMOs act as prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium in the infant colon. The proliferation of these bacteria stabilizes the intestinal environment and prevents the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. This strengthens gastrointestinal barrier functions and reduces the risk of infections in the early life of infants when their immune systems are still developing. Studies have shown lower incidence of diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and ear infections in breastfed babies. The indirect modulation of the gut microbiota by HMOs is seen as important for priming different areas of the immune system as well, including systemic and mucosal immune responses. With growing evidence on the significance of establishing a healthy gut microbiota from birth, HMOs are gaining recognition as a critical component of human milk that confers protection against various diseases for infants. As breastfeeding rates decline globally, the development of HMO-fortified infant formulas could offer immune and nutritional benefits to formula-fed babies similar to breastfed infants. Manufacturers are working to identify cost-effective production methods to incorporate specific HMOs into new formulations tailored to support infant health.

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Preference for natural and clean label products

Along with health considerations, changing consumer preferences are also influencing industry trends. There is a rising demand for natural, organic, and clean label products globally. Parents today are more educated about ingredients and seek options that are free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. In such a marketplace, HMOs have significant advantages over synthetic additives for infant formulas and foods. Being naturally occurring components of breast milk, HMOs appeal more to health-conscious consumers looking for formulations with easy to understand Labels.