Morinaga Milk highlights benefits of probiotics in infant formula

JAPAN – Morinaga Milk, a leading Japanese dairy company with expertise in developing functional ingredients, including probiotics and postbiotics, has highlighted the benefits of adding specific probiotic strains to infant formula. 

According to clinical studies done by the company, incorporating these probiotics into infant nutrition can notably reduce the risk of infant ill health and allergies while supporting improved long-term health outcomes.

The research also revealed that a healthy infant microbiome, rich in bifidobacteria, not only mitigates the risk of developing allergic diseases and conditions but also enhances immune system development, digestive health, and reduces the likelihood of obesity.

Morinaga Milk’s extensive research underscores the importance of bifidobacteria in promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Junichi Minami, Manager of the Marketing Strategy Team at Morinaga Milk, emphasized the growing consumer awareness of gut health and its implications for infant nutrition. 

He noted that this awareness has led to increased incorporation of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in infant formula.

“HMOs, which are naturally found in breast milk, play a crucial role in fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including bifidobacteria, and supporting healthy gut development,” he said. 

“This focus on HMOs has influenced innovation in baby formula, particularly regarding the use of human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB) probiotic strains that mimic those present in breast milk.”

In its whitepaper, “It’s Time to Rethink Probiotics for Infant Use,” Morinaga Milk advocates for selecting specific HRB strains such as B. longum, B. infantis, B. breve, and B. bifidum for inclusion in infant food products. 

These strains, found in breast milk, drive the colonization of beneficial gut bacteria in infants, enhancing their health outcomes.

Minami noted that many infant formula brands now include lactoferrin to boost immunity and HMOs as prebiotics, responding to consumer demand for enhanced nutritional benefits. 

The combination of these probiotics with other functional ingredients is a key consideration in product innovation.

The stability of probiotics is essential in developing effective infant nutrition products. Convenient delivery formats such as bulk powders, chewable tablets, sachets, sticks, and oil drops are popular among consumers. 

Morinaga Milk’s HRB probiotics are known for their excellent survival rates throughout their shelf life, making them suitable for various delivery methods.

Looking forward, advancements in baby nutrition are anticipated as new formulations optimize combinations of HMOs and HRB probiotics. 

These innovations aim to more closely replicate the benefits of breast milk, fostering a healthier gut microbiome in infants. 

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Morinaga Milk’s BB536 strain of probiotics significantly improves gut microbiomes and immune systems. 

For example, a combination of B. longum BB536 and B. breve M-16V has been shown to reduce the risk of allergies, with notable reductions in eczema incidence among infants.

A significant study revealed that supplementation with this probiotic mixture, starting one month before birth and continuing through the first six months of the infant’s life, resulted in a marked decrease in eczema cases. 

Follow-up at 18 months confirmed that these probiotics continued to provide protective benefits against allergies.

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