In 2022, Abbott’s formula contamination led to a $170 million sales drop in the U.S. in one quarter. This opened the market for infant nutrition companies like Nestle and Danone to fill the gap with safer and more compliant formulas. Nestlé developed age-specific formulas with the right protein and fat to help infant growth and prevent obesity.
Healthcare companies, including Abbott, have expanded their product lines to address key infant nutrition needs. This article explores how these leading brands position their products and research developments to solve key challenges in infant formulas.
GreyB’s report on infant nutrition trends expands further into the key drivers and advancements in HMO-based nutrition, Probiotics, Bifidobacterium Strains, etc. It also dives into the regulatory and supply chain vulnerabilities and advanced technologies. Fill out the form below to receive the exclusive report in your inbox:
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Nestlé’s R&D is solving the digestibility challenge going past HMOs
Since 2010, Nestle led 80+ trials, patented 161 formulas, and shared 136 studies on infant nutrition. Nestlé’s recent research has led them to create formulas with probiotics, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), and hydrolyzed proteins. The company is focussing on improving gut health and immunity.
One of the products Nestle launched from this research is the Sinergity 6-HMO + probiotic blend, aiming to mimic the nutritional complexity of breast milk,
Launched in Hong Kong in November 2023, this composition resembles the natural profile of breast milk by combining probiotics and HMOs.
The formula includes:
- Six human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), supporting digestion and immunity.
- Two probiotic strains, including Bifidobacterium infantis LMG11588, helping in nutrient absorption and gut health.
NAN InfiniPro: Supporting Easier Digestion and Allergy Protection
Nestlé’s NAN InfiniPro has broken down whey proteins that are easier to digest and less likely to cause allergies. Like Sinergity, the HMOs in the blend ensure infants receive the most prebiotics found in breast milk.
Nestlé has launched infant nutrition formulas with HMO in more than 50 countries. NAN SupremePro (with 5 HMOs) became a consumer favorite as parents saw softer stools, calmer babies, and better digestion. The positive clinical outcomes (e.g., fewer infections or less colic) associated with these ingredients have become selling points that resonate with caregivers.
Beyond product launches, Nestlé is strengthening its market position through intellectual property. Beyond standard formulas, their innovation adjusts nutrient levels for infants of different ages to support healthy growth and reduce obesity risk. It mimics breast milk’s changing composition, offering personalized protein, fat, and phospholipids.
Danone’s hybrid formulas meet the needs of modern parents with vegan and allergy-friendly options
As more parents choose vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets for their children, the demand for infant formulas with plant-based and dairy proteins has grown. In response, Danone has introduced two products within its infant nutrition portfolio: the Dairy & Plants Blend baby formula and the hypoallergenic formula Pepticate.
Nutrilon Dairy & Plants Blend: A sustainable combination of plant and dairy for infants
With 60% non-GMO soy protein and 40% dairy protein, this formula ensures a strong protein source that entirely plant-based options often lack.
The Dairy & Plants Blend is a hybrid option that appeals to parents seeking plant-based and dairy nutrition.
The formula uses recyclable packaging and produces 30% fewer emissions than dairy-based formulas.
Pepticate: Addressing Infant’s Cow Milk Allergy & Formula Shortages
It’s difficult to find a safe and nutritional formula for infants with cow milk allergies. Pepticate’s hydrolyzed formula (eHF) breaks milk proteins into smaller components, reducing the risk of allergies.
Pepticate includes prebiotic fibers and DHA/ARA. These nutrients are present in breast milk to support digestion and strong immunity.
Despite shortages, the FDA helps keep Pepticate a safe formula choice for parents.
I’m proud of the work our teams have done in coordination with the FDA to extend the availability of this product in the U.S. and ultimately help families focus on enjoying more beautiful moments with their little ones.
Steven Yannicelli, Vice President of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Nutricia North America
Danone’s product pipeline and future plans
Danone is focusing on specific nutritional needs like iron deficiency. Their recent innovation shares a cereal-based formula with added galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and iron for better nutrition. This formula supports iron absorption without high doses, making it ideal for infants, young children, and vulnerable groups. It also aids gut health by reducing negative impacts on the gut microbiota.
FrieslandCampina expands in Immune Health, Gut Function, and Allergy Prevention
FrieslandCampina’s latest products focus on lactoferrin, HMOs, and hypoallergenic formulas. These include Vivinal MFGM for cognitive development, Nutri Whey Isolate for gut health, and Biotis GOS for immune support.
Vivinal Lactoferrin and 2′-FL: Enhancing Immune Health and Digestion in Early Childhood
This year, FrieslandCampina launched FDA-recognized Vivinal Lactoferrin in the U.S. Derived from cow milk, the product supports immunity, iron absorption, and gut health. The ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in cow’s milk-based non-exempt infant formula for term infants and toddler infant formula.
Studies show that lactoferrin supports immune function, promotes iron absorption, and helps maintain gut and respiratory health in infants and young children.
Our 75 years of expertise in infant nutrition were essential in setting up a safe, smooth production process that ensures a continuously high-quality product such as 2′-FL
Aafke Keizer, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina DOMO.
FrieslandCampina’s product pipeline and future plans
Their newly patented formula (US11903392B2) helps with cow milk allergy (CMA). It uses enzymes and filtration to remove ingredients that can cause allergies, making it safer for infants. Unlike traditional formulas, it targets specific immune triggers for better allergy prevention.
While biotech companies focus on lab-grown alternatives, FrieslandCampina is committed to dairy-based solutions. It uses advanced processing and research to make formulas work faster and absorb easily.
Abbott enhances gut health and immunity with HMO-enriched organic formulas
Abbott Nutrition was an early mover in adding 2’-fucosyllactose. In 2016, Abbott launched Similac Pro-Advance and Pro-Sensitive, the first major infant formula with 2’-FL HMO in the U.S.
As more parents want breast milk-like formulas, Abbott expands with HMOs and organic options. The company is focusing on breast milk research rather than lab ingredients.
Similac 360 Total Care: Boosting Infant Gut Health and Immunity with a Unique Blend of Five HMOs
In November 2021, Abbott launched Similac 360 Total Care, a formula with five HMOs. It provides better digestion and immune support than standard formulas.
Our innovation in Similac 360 Total Care is a commitment to advancing science-based nutrition, ensuring every infant can access the comprehensive benefits traditionally provided by breast milk.
Dr. Rishi Mulgund, Director of Pediatric Nutrition at Abbott
Pure Bliss by Similac: Organic Baby Formula with A2 Milk for Easy Digestion and Natural Ingredients
Abbott expanded Pure Bliss by Similac with USDA organic, European-made products. These include A2 milk, which is easier to digest, and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms).
Reckitt’s Response to Supply Challenges and Advancements in Infant Nutrition
Reckitt ensured baby formula remained available by simplifying production and working with the U.S. government to increase supply.
It improved Enfamil NeuroPro Infant by adding important nutrients like 2′-FL HMO, PDX, GOS, vitamins, and minerals to help digestion, immunity, and brain growth.
PurAmino: Providing Allergy Relief and Meeting Supply Demands for Infants with Severe Allergies
Amid formula shortages, Reckitt secured FDA approval to import PurAmino, a formula for infants with severe allergies and restrictions.
This helped them provide over 66 million infant formula servings in the U.S. The initiative aimed to support vulnerable families, including participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
The FDA’s import approval allows us to significantly ramp up our supply, ensuring that we can meet the demands of families who rely on our products.
Pat Sly, President of Global Nutrition at Reckitt
Enfamil NeuroPro: Supporting Immune Function and Brain Development with Advanced HMO and MFGM Blend
Reckitt also enhanced its formulas to better mimic breast milk. Their Enfamil NeuroPro formula includes:
- HuMO6 Premium Immune Blend: A blend of dual Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as 2’FL and LnNT, which support immune function.
- Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM): Naturally found in breast milk, this supports brain development and cognitive function.
- DHA: An essential nutrient for early neurological development.
This formula combines immune-boosting and brain-supporting components and provides nutrients for infant development.
Abott and Reckitt are filing patents in preterm infant formulas, protein hydrolysates, and more! Find these research trends and the latest developments on our proprietary research platform, SLATE.
Authored By: Vipin and Ridhima, Market Research
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