Evidence supporting the use of: 2'-Fucosyllactose
For the health condition: Nursing

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) is a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) naturally present in high concentrations in breast milk, especially in most lactating women. Scientific evidence supports its use in infant nutrition, particularly in infant formulas designed to more closely mimic the functional components of breast milk. Research indicates that 2′-FL contributes to the development of a healthy gut microbiota, acting as a prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria. It also plays a role in immune system modulation by blocking the adhesion of pathogens to the gut lining, thereby reducing the risk of infections.

Clinical trials have shown that adding 2′-FL to infant formula is safe, well-tolerated, and may help infants develop immune profiles similar to those of breastfed infants. There is evidence that infants fed formula with 2′-FL have fewer respiratory and gastrointestinal infections compared to those fed standard formula. While 2′-FL is not a treatment for illness per se, its inclusion in infant nutrition supports the health and development of nursing infants, particularly those who cannot be breastfed.

Although research is ongoing, the current body of scientific data justifies the use of 2′-FL to support infant health during the nursing period. This evidence has led to the widespread adoption of 2′-FL in commercially available infant formulas to better replicate some of the protective benefits of human milk.

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