HMO-Supplemented Infant Formula for CMPA Gut Microbiota Maturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for nutritional compositions, such as infant formulas, that can prevent or reduce the premature maturation of the gut microbiota in infants with cow's milk protein allergy, without causing side effects and being easily accepted by parents and healthcare practitioners.
Innovation Solution
Supplementation of infant formulas with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) in extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based formulas to inhibit or reduce premature maturation of the gut microbiota.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infant formula is used, then the formula provides basic nutritional needs, but the gut microbiota matures prematurely and loses diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding HMOs (2'FL and LNnT) to the infant formula before feeding, which pre-establish conditions that prevent premature microbiota maturation. These oligosaccharides are incorporated into the formula composition in advance to modulate gut microbiota development from the earliest stages of formula feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses HMOs as intermediary substances that mediate between the infant formula and the gut microbiota. These oligosaccharides act as prebiotics that selectively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) while preventing the premature establishment of adult-type microbiota, thus serving as a bridge that protects microbiota composition.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If breast milk is eliminated from the mother's diet to treat CMPA, then allergy symptoms are reduced, but the infant loses access to beneficial HMOs that support healthy microbiota
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates specific beneficial HMOs (2'FL and LNnT) from breast milk and incorporates them directly into the infant formula. This allows the infant to receive the protective oligosaccharides without requiring the mother to breastfeed or restrict her diet, effectively separating the beneficial component from the allergenic proteins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of the beneficial HMO profile found in breast milk by adding specific oligosaccharides (2'FL and LNnT) to the formula. This copied oligosaccharide profile replicates the microbiota-modulating effects of breast milk without requiring actual breast milk intake, thus providing the same protective benefits against premature microbiota maturation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based formula is used to treat CMPA, then allergy symptoms are controlled, but the gut microbiota diversity and maturity are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate solutions into a single integrated formula: the hypoallergenic protein source (extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based) is combined with added HMOs (2'FL and LNnT). This combination allows the formula to simultaneously provide allergy protection while also supporting healthy microbiota development, eliminating the need to choose between allergy management and microbiota health.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of 2'FL and LNnT in infant formulas leads to lower microbial diversity and reduced gut microbiota age at 12 months, promoting a healthier gut microbiome and immune system development in infants with cow's milk protein allergy.
Implementation Method 1
HMOs may also function as soluble decoy receptors in the gut, protecting the neonate from enteric pathogens
Implementation Method 2
HMOs may also function as soluble decoy receptors in the gut, protecting the neonate from enteric pathogens
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to nutritional compositions for infants and young children comprising the human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) 2'-fucosyllactose (2FL) and lacto-N- neotetraose (LNnT), for modulating maturation of the gut microbiome. The formula may be an extensively hydrolysed formula (eHFs) or an amino acid-based infant formula (AAFs) and may be used in an infant with cow's milk protein allergy.