Human milk oligosaccharides market is driven by increasing imports and developments in extraction techniques
The Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market is estimated to be valued at USD 298.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 770.5 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.5% over the forecast period. The market is driven by increasing awareness about the benefits of human milk oligosaccharides for infant health and growth. Furthermore, scientific advancements in extraction techniques are making HMOs more commercially viable and affordable.
Increasing imports of HMOs
As domestic production of human milk oligosaccharides is currently limited, companies are increasingly importing HMOs extracted from cow's milk or produced recombinantly through fermentation of microorganisms. This is driving the global supply of HMOs and facilitating their inclusion in infant formula and other products.
Developments in extraction techniques
Traditionally, HMOs were extracted from donated human milk which was an unscalable process. However, recent scientific advances have enabled the extraction of HMOs from cow's milk or their production through fermentation methods. This has significantly improved yields and made largescale production commercially viable. Several companies have also developed proprietary cost-effective extraction technologies which is supporting the expansion of the human milk oligosaccharides market.
Increasing Awareness about the Health Benefits of HMOs is Driving the Market Growth
One of the major drivers for the growth of the human milk oligosaccharides market is the increasing awareness among consumers about the various health benefits offered by HMOs. Research has shown that HMOs act as prebiotics and help in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut of infants. This helps in supporting the immune system development and reducing the risks of gastrointestinal infections. HMOs have also been found to help prevent conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis which is a serious disease that affects premature infants. As more people come to know about these proven health advantages, the demand for HMO-enriched infant formula and supplements is growing steadily. Manufacturers are leveraging this driver by highlighting the clinical research backing HMOs and their role in infant and digestive health.
Growing Demand for Alternative Feeding Options is Boosting Market Adoption
Another key growth driver is the rising demand for alternative feeding options among working mothers and families where breastfeeding is not possible. With more women joining the workforce globally, the demand for breastmilk substitutes that can provide similar nutritional composition and balance is on the rise. Since HMOs are the third largest solid component found in breastmilk after fat and lactose, adding them to formula makes the products more comparable to human milk. The lack of direct breastfeeding also increases the need for supplementation of prebiotic HMOs through formula, baby food, and supplements. Manufacturers are leveraging this driver by positioning their HMO products as close alternatives to breastmilk for supplementation as well as sole nutrition in non-breastfed infants.
High Production Costs Pose Constraint on Commercialization
One of the major restraints hampering the growth potential of this market is the high production costs associated with manufacturing HMOs at commercial and industrial scales. human milk oligosaccharides are complex sugar structures that are currently extracted from breast milk in limited quantities via expensive methods. Alternative production methodologies like chemical synthesis and microbial fermentation are still under development phases and have low yields. The costs of extraction, purification and production strain the profit margins for manufacturers. Unless production processes become more refined and cost-efficient on a bulk scale, high costs may limit widespread adoption and commercial availability of HMO products. This is a challenge that producers are trying to overcome through process innovation and investment in large-scale production facilities.
Stringent Regulatory Standards Delay New Product Launches
Another constraint restricting the expansion of the human milk oligosaccharides market is the stringent regulatory norms and standards set by organizations like the FDA for approval of new products. Since HMOs are novel ingredients being introduced in infant nutrition, regulatory bodies thoroughly scrutinize clinical evidence, production quality control and safety. Obtaining the necessary approvals and certifications delays the time-to-market for HMO products. The development timelines from research to commercial launches often stretch into years. Manufacturers need to invest significantly in clinical trials, facility audits and documentation to comply with regulations. While important for ensuring product integrity, stringent regulatory processes pose challenges for startups and new entrants looking to penetrate this market.
Growing Use of HMOs as Prebiotics Presents Lucrative Opportunities
One significant growth opportunity for companies lies in expanding applications of HMOs as prebiotic ingredients beyond infant nutrition alone. Prebiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in maintaining digestive and immunologic health across all ages. There is scope to develop HMO-enriched functional foods, supplements, and beverages targeting the adult population as well. Manufacturers can capitalize on this by marketing HMOs as versatile prebiotics with multigenerational benefits. Clinical research exploring the role of specific HMOs in metabolic, gut and immunity also opens doors for their use as targeted therapeutics.
Incorporation of HMOs in Infant Medical Nutrition Products is another Avenue
Another market expansion strategy is the incorporation of HMOs in therapeutic infant formula and medical nutrition products designed for vulnerable population groups. These include formulas for preterm infants, those with food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, and conditions necessitating elemental or amino acid-based systems. Since HMOs promote digestive tolerance and immune development, they can potentially offer added benefits for such at-risk pediatric demographics. Manufacturers may target this huge opportunity space through strategic R&D initiatives, partnerships, and product design tailored for specialized medical applications.
Link - https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/human-milk-oligosaccharides-market-5064
Key Developments
- In 2022, Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings Company, successfully completed the construction of a state-of-the-art production facility dedicated to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) at its Thai subsidiary, Thai Kyowa Biotechnologies Co., Ltd. This significant development marks a strategic expansion in the production capabilities of HMOs, which are increasingly recognized for their health benefits, particularly in infant nutrition.
- In 2022, FrieslandCampina achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its 2'-fucosyllactose, branded as Aequival, for use in infant milk formula by regulatory authorities in Australia and New Zealand. This approval underscores the growing recognition of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) as vital components in infant nutrition, enhancing the health and development of infants.
- In 2021, Chr. Hansen, a global leader in bioscience, signed a significant agreement to acquire the entire stake of Jennewein. This acquisition marks a strategic move for Chr. Hansen as it seeks to enhance its capabilities in the production of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and rare monosaccharides, including L-Fucose and Sialic acid.
- In 2021, BASF SE, a leading global chemical company, announced a significant milestone for its PREBILAC brand of 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL). PREBILAC, BASF's 2'-FL ingredient, received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, making it the first and only 2'-FL ingredient to be approved as a prebiotic by the TGA.
Key Players
ZuChem Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Chr. Hansen Holding AS , Royal FrieslandCampina NV, BASF, IFF (DuPont Nutrition & Health), Gnubiotics, Inbiose NV, Carbosynth Holdings Limited, Royal DSM N.V, Kyowa Hakko Europe GmbH, Elicityl SA, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, Glycom A/S, Dextra Laboratories Limited, and Rajvi Enterprise
