3'-sialyllactose structure

GlycoActiveTM

3’-Sialyllactose

An extensively studied sialylated HMO naturally present in milk throughout lactation, with a broad and growing body of scientific literature describing its immune health relevance.

This product is a trisaccharide that is identical to what is naturally present in human milk and is comprised of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid), D-galactose and D-glucose.

  • GlycoActiveTM 3’SL Ultra is powder of highly pure infant food grade quality with purity levels above 88% (1)
  • 48 months of shelf life from production date
  • White, homogenous, non-odorous powder with a neutral to slightly sweet taste

(1) Depending on the intended use, various product lines with corresponding specifications are available. Contact us for more information.
All GlycoActiveTM HMOs are produced in FSSC 22000 certified facilities, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality management throughout the entire production process. Our products are Kosher and Halal certified, and are free of animal derived ingredients (ADI), genetically modified organisms (GMO) (1), gluten and allergens (except milk) (2).

(1) according to EC regulation 1169/2011 annex II
(2) according to EC regulation 1829/2003 and 1830/2003

GlycoActiveTM 3’SL holds regulatory approval in the European Union as a Novel Food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, and has obtained GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status in the United States (GRN 1074). These approvals cover a broad range of food and nutritional applications, including infant formula, food supplements, and foods for special medical purposes.

 

For regulatory status in other markets or specific application categories, please contact our team. Review local legislation for maximum intended use levels.

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BY THE NUMBERS

What sets 3'SL apart?

3'-Sialyllactose is one of two commercially available sialylated HMOs, and the lesser abundant of the two in human milk, yet its scientific significance extends well beyond its concentration. Unlike fucosylated HMOs, 3'SL is present in the milk of all lactating women regardless of secretor status, making it universally relevant across the entire population 1. Its concentration follows the general pattern of sialylated HMOs, with levels highest in colostrum gradually decreasing as lactation progresses 2.

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets 3’SL apart?

3'-Sialyllactose is one of two commercially available sialylated HMOs, and the lesser abundant of the two in human milk, yet its scientific significance extends well beyond its concentration. Unlike fucosylated HMOs, 3'SL is present in the milk of all lactating women regardless of secretor status, making it universally relevant across the entire population 1. Its concentration follows the general pattern of sialylated HMOs, with levels highest in colostrum gradually decreasing as lactation progresses 2.

HEALTH BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

The science behind 3’SL

The health potential of 3'SL spans three interconnected areas, each supported by publicly available scientific evidence. 3'SL acts as a precision prebiotic for beneficial Bifidobacterium subspecies in the gut and supports gut barrier function, contributing to the healthy microbiome development characteristic of early infancy 3,4. In the immune system, published research points to a role in immune modulation and pathogen defence 5.

Most distinctively, 3'SL serves as a neonatal dietary source of sialic acid, supporting brain ganglioside synthesis and neuronal connectivity 6. Observational data report a positive correlation between 3'SL levels and language development in infants, and animal model evidence suggest a role in reducing stress-induced anxiety via the gut-brain axis 7,8.

Discover more health benefits
  • 1 Kunz et al. (2017). Influence of gestational age, secretor, and Lewis blood group status on the oligosaccharide content of human milk. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 64(5), 789–798.
  • 2 Plows et al. (2021). Longitudinal changes in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) over the course of 24 months of lactation. Journal of Nutrition, 151(4), 876–882.
  • 3 Chleilat et al. (2020). Human milk oligosaccharide supplementation affects intestinal barrier function and microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract of young Sprague Dawley rats. Nutrients, 12(5), 1532.
  • 4 Bajic et al. (2023). HMOs exert marked bifidogenic effects on children's gut microbiota ex vivo, due to age-related Bifidobacterium species composition. Nutrients, 15(7), 1701.
  • 5 Guo et al. (2024). Enhancing immune regulation in vitro: the synergistic impact of 3'-sialyllactose and osteopontin in a nutrient blend following influenza virus infection. Frontiers in Immunology, 15, 1271926.
  • 6 Jacobi et al. (2016). Dietary isomers of sialyllactose increase ganglioside sialic acid concentrations in the corpus callosum and cerebellum and modulate the colonic microbiota of formula-fed piglets. Journal of Nutrition, 146(2), 200–208.
  • 7 Cho et al. (2021). Human milk 3'-sialyllactose is positively associated with language development during infancy. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 114(2), 588–597.
  • 8 Tarr et al. (2015). The prebiotics 3'sialyllactose and 6'sialyllactose diminish stressor-induced anxiety-like behavior and colonic microbiota alterations: evidence for effects on the gut-brain axis. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 50, 166–177.

OUR INGREDIENTS

Explore the GlycoActiveTM human milk oligosaccharides portfolio

Six of nature's most powerful carbohydrates, produced sustainably
at the highest quality.

2'-fucosyllactose structure

2’-Fucosyllactose

The most abundant HMO in secretor+ milk 
and pioneer of commercial HMO use. The most extensively studied HMO, with an unmatched
scientific track record.

3'-sialyllactose structure

3’-Sialyllactose

A well-studied sialylated HMO naturally present in milk throughout lactation, with a broad
and growing body of scientific literature describing
its immune health relevance.

LNnT structure

Lacto-N-tetraose

A type-1 neutral core HMO, abundantly present in colostrum and non-secretor milk. Naturally one of
the most prevalent neutral oligosaccharides across
the lactation period.

3-fucosyllactose structure

3-Fucosyllactose

A fucosylated HMO whose levels uniquely increase during lactation. Particularly abundant in mature and non-secretor milk, making it a distinctive
portfolio addition.

6'Sialyllactose structure

6’-Sialyllactose

The most abundant sialylated HMO in human milk, and the structural counterpart to 3'SL, together providing extensive sialylated HMO coverage in
the GlycoActiveTM portfolio.

LNT structure

Lacto-N-neotetraose

A type-2 neutral core HMO and structural counterpart to LNT. One of the most widely studied neutral HMOs across multiple markets and with a unique prebiotic profile.

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about Inbiose and our HMO ingredients, applications, health benefits and technology platform. ​

3′-Sialyllactose is one of two sialylated HMOs in the GlycoActiveTM portfolio. The HMO is present in the milk of all lactating women regardless of secretor status, as well as in the milk of many other mammalian species. As a sialylated structure, it may serve as a neonatal dietary source of sialic acid, an important building block of brain gangliosides involved in neuronal development. It is also the most extensively studied sialylated HMO with respect to language and cognitive development.

3’SL and 6’SL are structural isomers: they share the same monosaccharide composition but differ in the position of the sialic acid linkage. 6’SL is the more abundant of the two in milk, while 3’SL carries a more specific body of scientific literature, particularly with respect to cognitive development and the gut-brain axis.

Emerging evidence, including a human pilot clinical study and preclinical data, suggests that 3’SL may help reduce joint inflammation and support bone health. This is an active and growing area of scientific investigation.

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Regulatory-approved ingredients serving the widest range of nutritional applications 
for every stage of life in both humans and animals.