Nestle Research Institute has claimed a breakthrough in its research on adding HMO (human milk oligosaccharides) to formula to boost young children’s immune system.

According to UNICEF, though exclusive breastfeeding is the most complete form of nutrition for infants during the first six months of their life, only 17 per cent of Vietnamese infants are.

Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Anh Tuan, deputy head of the pediatric department at HCM City’s University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first six months is much lower in Viet Nam than in other countries in the region and world, a major disadvantage for them.

As a result, the rate of children with low resistance and affected by infectious diseases is quite high in Viet Nam, he said.

HMOs account for up to 15 per cent of solid components in breast milk and the third largest solid component of breast milk after fat and carbohydrates (lactose), he said.

HMOs are only found in breast milk, and research has shown that it plays a fundamental role in a baby’s digestive health and immunity.

Nestle has found the most prevalent HMO in most mothers’ milk, 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), through its research.

Nestlé said its clinical trials have found that HMO helps form healthy gut microflora, which protect children from respiratory tract infections.

Nestle’s HMO has been endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe to add to nutritional product for growing children.

Nestle’s products with 2’-FL HMO are available in Viet Nam. — VNS