Reduced-Protein Extensively Hydrolysed Infant Formula With HMOs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extensively hydrolyzed infant formulas (eHFs) contain higher protein levels that may lead to increased weight gain and obesity risk in infants with cow's milk protein allergy, while current hypoallergenic formulas do not adequately address the need for reduced protein content without compromising growth and tolerance.

Innovation Solution

Developing an eHF with a reduced protein content of 2.4 g or less per 100 kcal, incorporating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) such as 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose, and minimizing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to support appropriate growth and development in allergic infants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If higher protein content is used in extensively hydrolyzed infant formula, then the formula can provide adequate nutrition for infants with CMPA, but it increases the risk of weight gain and obesity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein contentVSAvoidobesity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the protein content parameter from conventional higher levels to a reduced level of 2.4 g or less per 100 kcal, while compensating with adjusted fat and carbohydrate content to maintain adequate nutrition and prevent obesity risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies specific compositional parameters (protein, fat, carbohydrate ratios) to create a localized nutritional profile that is lower in protein but balanced in other macronutrients, achieving both growth support and obesity prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If reduced protein content is used in extensively hydrolyzed infant formula, then the obesity risk is diminished, but growth and development may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobesity riskVSAvoidgrowth and development

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts multiple nutritional parameters simultaneously - reducing protein to 2.4 g or less per 100 kcal while increasing fat content to 4.0-6.0 g per 100 kcal and carbohydrates to 9-14 g per 100 kcal - to maintain energy density and support growth despite lower protein

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite nutritional formulation that combines reduced protein with increased fat and carbohydrate content, achieving a balanced macronutrient profile that supports both growth and obesity prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are included in the formula, then energy density is improved, but the risk of weight gain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidweight gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent restricts MCT content to 30% or less of total fat, while compensating with long-chain triglycerides and carbohydrates to maintain adequate energy density without excessive weight gain risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 eHF supports appropriate growth and development in allergic infants, is well-tolerated, and reduces the risk of obesity, attributed to the degree of hydrolysis and presence of HMOs, with minimal MCTs.

Implementation Method 1

Extensively hydrolysed infant formula (eHF) may refer to an infant formula comprising extensively hydrolysed protein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250302083A1Extensively hydrolysed infant formula

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

An extensively hydrolysed infant formula (eHF) containing protein, carbohydrate and fat. The eHF includes about 2.4 g or less of the protein per 100 kcal. The eHF contains no medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). The eHF may further include 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL) and/or lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). The eHF may be suitable for infants with cow's milk protein allergy.