The demand for HMOs in designing infant formulas is increasing because of the beneficial properties, such as prevention from infection, memory enhancement, brain development, prebiotic effects, and improvement of gut health.Īsia Pacific is expected to be a lucrative market for human milk oligosaccharides and is expected to account for a significant share of the global HMO market revenue by 2027. Functional foods and beverages is the second-largest application segment of HMOs. Furthermore, the prebiotic effects of HMOs make them suitable to be used in functional foods and beverages, and food supplements. Human milk oligosaccharides are also increasingly utilized in pharmaceutical applications. They fight life-threatening infections and are also responsible for the proper development of the brain and gut. HMOs play a key role in the proper development of infants. High infant mortality rate and rising concerns regarding health and safety are the factors likely to boost the market growth over the forecast period.
Infant formula is the largest and fastest-growing application segment for human milk oligosaccharides. As per the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), the under-five mortality rate was one per 11 children in 1990 which dropped to one per 26 children in 2018. The consumption of HMOs has contributed significantly to bring about a considerable reduction in the global infant mortality rate over the years. Increasing health awareness along with the rising consumption of infant formula is likely to boost the growth of the HMO market over the forecast period. Human milk oligosaccharides find application in infant formula, functional food and beverages, and food supplements, among others. These synthetically produced HMOs are safe for consumption by infants (who cannot be breastfed), as well as children and adults.
Moreover, scientists have been trying to develop various structures of HMOs synthetically, for use in the food industry-most particularly infant formulas and medical nutrition. Over 150 structurally diverse HMOs are available in nature. Human milk oligosaccharides are a major source of sialic acid, which is an essential part of the plasma membrane of nerve cells.
However, high costs associated with the product may challenge the market growth over the forecast period. Human milk oligosaccharides in functional food and beverage products and food supplements can help the treatment of certain disorders and high-risk health conditions, which in turn is anticipated to boost the product demand. Increasing awareness regarding the functions and health benefits associated with Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) is expected to fuel its demand over the forecast period.Ĭhanging consumer lifestyles and their increasing concerns regarding health and wellness are some of the other prominent factors driving the demand for HMOs around the world. It is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 23.0% over the forecast period. The global human milk oligosaccharides market size is anticipated to reach USD 101.5 million by 2027, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size Worth $101.5 Million By 2027