Oligosaccharides in Infant Nutrition Market Size By Form (Powder, Liquid), Application (Food, Health Products), Type (Galactooligosaccharides, Human Milk Oligosaccharides, Fructooligosaccharides), & Region for 2026-2032

Oligosaccharides in Infant Nutrition Market Valuation - 2026-2032

The growing inclination among parents towards functional foods, which go beyond providing basic nutrition by offering additional health benefits. Infant formula enriched with oligosaccharides perfectly fits into this emerging trend, presenting a functional food choice tailored specifically for infants. Thus, the increasing adoption of functional foods is driving market size to surpass USD 235.65 Million in 2024 to reach the valuation of USD 407.85 Million by 2032.

Manufacturers of infant formula are progressively integrating oligosaccharides into their products to emulate the health advantages of breast milk and elevate the nutritional content of their formulas. This emerging pattern addresses the needs of parents who aspire to offer their infants the most analogous substitute to breast milk available. Thus, the high enactment of oligosaccharides in products is enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2026 to 2032.

Oligosaccharide in Infant Nutrition Market: Definition/ Overview

Oligosaccharides are small carbohydrate molecules, shorter in length compared to complex carbohydrates such as starches. Oligosaccharides rank as the third most prevalent solid component in breast milk, following fats and lactose. They act as a vital food source for beneficial bacteria, fostering a healthy gut microbiome in infants. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating oligosaccharides into their products to replicate the health advantages found in breast milk. In addition, there are types of oligosaccharides human milk oligosaccharide, trisaccharide, and Galactooligosaccharides.

The human milk oligosaccharides lead to a rise in the population of bifidobacteria in the colonic flora of breastfed infants. This increase is coupled with a notable decrease in the number of potentially harmful bacteria, attributed to the bifidogenic properties of oligosaccharides. Human milk oligosaccharides not only contribute to intestinal flora in breastfed infants but now oligosaccharides also serve as a potent inhibitor of bacterial adhesion to epithelial surfaces.

In the future, it is likely to develop a new generation of oligosaccharides that closely resemble breast milk. The advanced production of oligosaccharide in the future can make it cost-effective, and increase its accessibility. The emergence of personalized infant formula featuring specific blends of oligosaccharides tailored to individual baby's requirements, taking into account factors such as genetics, gut microbiome composition, and potential allergies.

How the Multifunctionality of Oligosaccharide is Driving the Growth of Oligosaccharide in the Infant Nutrition Market?

The structural diversity, quantity, and multifunctionality of oligosaccharides are driving the demand for oligosaccharides in human infant nutrition. Oligosaccharide is a prominent component in human milk it is a multifunctional glycan, which is naturally present in human milk. Oligosaccharides serve as prebiotics, which nourish the beneficial bacteria residing in the gut. This support of oligosaccharide support as a good bacteria fosters a harmonious balance within the gut microbiome, it is vital for efficient digestion and bolstered immune function. Oligosaccharides provide a favorable environment for beneficial microorganisms, they also contribute to gut health, offer multifaceted benefits, and extend beyond digestion.

Oligosaccharide promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, because of its prebiotic action and fortifies the immune system. Oligosaccharides reduce illness by bolstering the immune system and demonstrate to improve general health and well-being. Oligosaccharide reduces the allergy, during pregnancy in mice the specific nondigestible oligosaccharide led to reduced allergic asthma symptoms in the offspring.

Trisaccharides, akin to other carbohydrates, undergo breakdown into glucose within the body, serving as the primary fuel source for cellular energy. Trisaccharides, distinguished from simple sugars like monosaccharides, undergo digestion at a slightly slower pace, resulting in a more gradual and sustained release of energy. Specific trisaccharides fulfill distinct roles within the body. For instance, maltotriose, a glucose trisaccharide, contributes to glycogen storage, which constitutes the body's mechanism for storing and releasing energy as needed.

Disaccharides serve as an easily accessible energy source for the body. Upon ingestion, digestive enzymes break them down into their monosaccharide components, which are readily absorbed by the small intestine and distributed to cells throughout the body. This rapid absorption facilitates quick energy delivery to support a range of bodily functions.

How the Lack of Awareness among the Parents is Hampering the Growth of Oligosaccharides in the Infant Nutrition Market?

Despite current studies, the long-term effects of particular oligosaccharides on newborn health are not well understood. Certain healthcare providers or parents may be hesitant to adopt these formulae due to a lack of conclusive long-term data. Not all parents are aware of the benefits of oligosaccharides in infant formula. This lack of understanding, along with potential misconceptions about certain chemicals, could be a barrier to widespread market acceptance.

Regulatory bodies have created criteria for the permitted types and quantities of oligosaccharides in infant formula. While tight regulations are necessary to ensure safety and efficacy requirements, they can unintentionally stifle innovation and the introduction of novel oligosaccharides to the market. As a result, this regulatory framework strikes a difficult balance between guaranteeing product safety and promoting advances in baby nutrition.

Infants switching to oligosaccharide-containing formula may experience digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas, especially if the transition is not gradual. This transition period emphasizes the significance of introducing oligosaccharide-enriched formulas with caution to avoid potential discomfort.

Although helpful, oligosaccharides added to the formula differ structurally from those found naturally in breast milk. This structural distinction may lead some to question the overall equivalence of formula and breast milk. While oligosaccharide supplementation improves the formula nutritionally, it is critical to identify and rectify any perceived discrepancies to maintain customer trust.

Category-Wise Acumens

How the Increasing Consumer Awareness of Gut Health and the Rise in the Infant Population is Driving the Human Milk Oligosaccharide Segment Growth?

The human milk oligosaccharide segment is substantially growing in the oligosaccharide infant nutrition market and is expected to continue its growth throughout the forecast period. Rising consumer knowledge of the benefits of gut health, as well as increased demand for nutritional supplements, are important drivers driving the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO)) segment in the oligosaccharide infant nutrition market. HMOs, known for their antibacterial and prebiotic qualities, are set to become widespread in a variety of industries, including infant formulae, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods. Population growth, rising mortality rates, and a greater emphasis on health awareness are likely to drive the HMO business ahead.

In addition, the rise in the infant population is contributing to the growth of the human milk oligosaccharide segment. For instance, the current birth rate in 2024 is 17.299 births per 1000 people and 17.464 per 1000 people in 2023. The increasing birth rate is fueling the demand for human milk oligosaccharides. In the United States, the provisional number of births is 3,661,220 in 2022.

The rising prevalence of chronic illnesses such as gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, and rickets is driving up demand for functional foods and beverages, boosting growth in the human milk oligosaccharide market. In addition, the infant formula and baby food businesses are expected to grow significantly because of rising demand, increased HMO production, and regulatory approvals. Ongoing research is always revealing new health benefits related to certain HMO configurations. This ongoing research is expected to widen the potential applications of HMOs beyond newborn nutrition, accelerating market growth.

How the Health Benefits Associated with the Oligosaccharide is Fueling the Growth of the Food Segment in the Oligosaccharide in Infant Nutrition Market?

The food segment is significantly showing the growth in the oligosaccharide in the infant nutrition market. The wide range of health advantages associated with functional oligosaccharides is a major reason for their integration into dietary products. These advantages include immunological modulation, intestinal health promotion, enhanced stomach microbial activity, increased calcium absorption, and bone mineral density maintenance, particularly among adolescents.

Furthermore, functional oligosaccharides provide distinct physiological benefits such as being zero or low in calories while performing specific functions such as stimulating the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, enhancing the body's immune response, preventing dental caries and constipation, and even exhibiting potential anti-tumor properties.

Natural sources of oligosaccharides, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) found in fruits and vegetables like onions and bananas, provide an extra impetus for their use in food items. Although these natural oligosaccharides may be difficult for the human body to digest, they are valuable bioactive components that helpful bacteria such as Bifidobacterium can easily consume. This usage promotes a healthy and active gut microbiota, which protects against gastrointestinal illnesses.

How will the Rising Birth Rate in Asia Pacific Drive the Market?

Asia Pacific is substantially growing the oligosaccharide in the infant nutrition market thanks to the increasing awareness of the importance of early childhood nutrition, combined with a comprehension of the favorable function oligosaccharides play in newborn health. As parents grow more health-conscious, they are actively looking for infant feeding solutions that not only meet their fundamental nutritional requirements but also provide additional health benefits.

In response to this trend, there is a shift toward a more holistic approach to infant nutrition, in which parents prioritize products that provide comprehensive nutritional support, such as oligosaccharides, which promote overall health and well-being. This increased understanding emphasizes the significance of early nutritional changes in determining long-term health outcomes for infants.

The growing demand for functional foods in APAC reflects a larger trend toward preventative healthcare and wellness-oriented lifestyles. Parents are looking for child nutrition products that contain oligosaccharides, which they believe are important for immunological health, digestive function, and overall growth and development during infancy.

Healthcare professionals, government organizations, and industry stakeholders use educational campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood nutrition and the benefits of oligosaccharides. By providing parents with knowledge and information, these initiatives help to meet the growing demand for oligosaccharide-enriched infant feeding products in the APAC market.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape for oligosaccharides in infant nutrition is dynamic and evolving. Companies that can successfully navigate these trends through innovation, cost-effectiveness, strategic partnerships, and a focus on sustainability are likely to thrive in this growing market.

The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions. Some of the prominent players

operating in the oligosaccharides in infant nutrition market include:

• Nissin Sugar Co. Ltd.
• Yakult Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd.
• Kerry Group plc
• Taiwan Fructose
• Dupont nutrition & health
• Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
• Abbot
• Ingredion
• Biosynth Carbosynth.
• Dextra Laboratories Ltd.
• Inbiose NV
• Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH
• Tereos
• Zuchem

Key Devlopments

• In February 2019, DuPont Nutrition and Health announced an agreement with Lonza Specialty to manufacture and supply the CARE 4U-FL a Human Milk Oligosaccharide.
• In October 2023, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. announced its entrance into the world's largest infant milk formula market in China.

Oligosaccharide in Infant Nutrition Market, By Category

• Form:
• Powder
• Liquid
• Application:
• Food
• Health Products
• Drinks
• Medicine
• Type:
• Galactooligosaccharides
• Human Milk Oligosaccharides
• Fructooligosaccharides
• Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa