What Are Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)? Everything Formulators Need to Know
Discover what HMOs are, how they're made, and why they're transforming supplements, pet health, and infant nutrition.
A fast definition: What are HMOs?
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex, non-digestible carbohydrates found naturally in human breast milk. After lactose and lipids, they are the third most abundant solid component, with over 200 unique structures identified to date.
HMOs act as bioactive prebiotics, designed by nature to support gut health, immune function, and microbial balance, without being digested by the human body itself.
How are HMOs made today?
Until recently, HMOs could only be sourced from breast milk, limiting their availability. Today, thanks to precision fermentation, companies like Inbiose are able to produce bio-identical HMOs at commercial scale, using sustainable, non-human raw materials.
This shift means formulators can now incorporate high-purity, nature-identical HMOs into products ranging from dietary supplements to functional pet food.
What do HMOs do in the body?
Modulate the gut microbiota
Fuel beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria, while crowding out pathogens.
Support immune signaling
Improve balance and resilience of the immune system.
Reinforce gut barrier
Enhance intestinal integrity and reduce permeability.
Potential cognitive & metabolic effects
Early research suggests benefit to cognitive development and metabolism.
Why formulators are turning to HMOs
HMOs are more than hype. They're becoming a new functional ingredient class, with real advantages over traditional prebiotics like FOS or inulin.
HMOs are complex and bioative, targeting specific key strains and are produced using fermentation.
Traditional prebiotics are simple carbohydrates, with a broad spectrum prebiotic effect and are plant-derived.
Top use cases for HMOs in product formulation
Infant Nutrition
- Closest-to-nature support for gut and immune development
- Clinically validated for tolerability and safety
Dietary Supplements
- Formulations targeting IBS, microbiome modulation, immune support
- Use in capsules, sachets, gummies
Pet Health
- Gut and joint health in aging dogs and cats
- Emerging area for product differentiation in premium SKUs
Inbiose partners with brands across these categories to deliver application-specific HMO solutions, including multi-structure blends.
Where to buy or source HMOs
Whether you’re formulating your first microbiome-focused product or looking for a better HMO supplier, Inbiose offers:
- High-quality HMOs via fermentation
- Regulatory-cleared molecules
- Low MOQ options for agile brands
- Cost-effectiveness
FAQ: What formulators ask about HMOs
What’s the difference between HMOs and other prebiotics?
HMOs are structurally more complex and more selectively targeted, offering higher biological specificity.
Are HMOs safe for adults and pets?
Yes. Inbiose HMOs are GRAS or have equivalent regulatory status in major markets. Specific structures are suitable for pet, infant, or adult use depending on the application.
How are HMOs made without using human milk?
Inbiose uses precision fermentation, a process that creates bio-identical HMO molecules.
Understanding the importance of daily health tracking
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Managing stress and mental well-being through tracking
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Sleep tracking: Unlocking the power of restorative rest
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Tracking progress and adjusting your wellness plan accordingly
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Building accountability and consistency in your health routine
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Celebrating success: Recognizing achievements along the way
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