LNT structure

GlycoActiveTM

Lacto-N-tetraose

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

This product is a tetrasaccharide that is identical to what is naturally present in human milk and is comprised of N-acetylglucosamine, D-galactose and D-glucose.

  • GlycoActiveTM LNT Ultra is powder of highly pure infant food grade quality with purity levels above 85% (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 LNT 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 1068). 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 LNT apart?

Lacto-N-tetraose is one of the most prevalent and consistently detected HMOs in milk, making it a structurally important and biologically significant member of the GlycoActiveTM portfolio. As a type-1 neutral core HMO (i.e. containing a β1,3 glycosidic linkage between the terminal galactose and N-acetylglucosamine residues), LNT is notably abundant in colostrum, and is particularly prominent in non-secretor milk, where it represents one of the dominant HMO structures in the absence of 2'FL 1. Its concentration decreases as lactation progresses, consistent with the general pattern of neutral core HMOs.

The predominance of type-1 oligosaccharides such as LNT is considered a feature specific to human milk, distinguishing it from the milk of other mammals and underscoring its potential biological significance in early life nutrition 2.

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets LNT apart?

Lacto-N-tetraose is one of the most prevalent and consistently detected HMOs in milk, making it a structurally important and biologically significant member of the GlycoActiveTM portfolio. As a type-1 neutral core HMO (i.e. containing a β1,3 glycosidic linkage between the terminal galactose and N-acetylglucosamine residues), LNT is notably abundant in colostrum, and is particularly prominent in non-secretor milk, where it represents one of the dominant HMO structures in the absence of 2'FL 1. Its concentration decreases as lactation progresses, consistent with the general pattern of neutral core HMOs.

The predominance of type-1 oligosaccharides such as LNT is considered a feature specific to human milk, distinguishing it from the milk of other mammals and underscoring its potential biological significance in early life nutrition 2.

HEALTH BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

The science behind LNT

The biological activity of LNT is well-characterised across several areas of early life health, supported by a body of in vitro, preclinical, and emerging clinical evidence. In the gut, LNT may act as a precision prebiotic with a particular affinity for Bifidobacterium bifidum, one of the key beneficial bacteria in the early infant gut microbiome. B. bifidum is thought to preferentially utilise the type-1 core structure of LNT, reflecting a structural selectivity that distinguishes LNT's prebiotic activity from that of other HMOs 3.

Additionally, growth of B. infantis on LNT has been shown to produce high ratios of the beneficial short-chain fatty acid acetic acid, a metabolite which has been shown in vitro to strenghten intestinal epithelial barrier function and reduce pathogen invasion, supporting a favourable gut environment during early life microbiome establishment 4,5. From an immune perspective, LNT may help support immune development and mitigate the impact of inflammation, with emerging data also suggesting it may help reduce the adhesion of harmful microorganisms 6,7

Discover more health benefits
  • 1 Soyyılmaz et al. (2021). The mean of milk: a review of human milk oligosaccharide concentrations throughout lactation. Nutrients, 13(8), 2737.
  • 2 Urashima et al. (2012). The predominance of type I oligosaccharides is a feature specific to human breast milk. Advances in Nutrition, 3(3), 473S–82S.
  • 3 Gotoh et al. (2018). Sharing of human milk oligosaccharide degradants within bifidobacterial communities in faecal cultures supplemented with Bifidobacterium bifidum. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 13958.
  • 4 Özcan & Sela (2018). Inefficient metabolism of the human milk oligosaccharides lacto-N-tetraose and lacto-N-neotetraose shifts Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis physiology. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5, 46.
  • 5 Sprenger et al. (2021). Human Milk Oligosaccharide-Stimulated Bifidobacterium Species Contribute to Prevent Later Respiratory Tract Infections. Microorganisms, 9(9), 1939.
  • 6 Foata et al. (2020). Activation of the G-protein coupled receptor GPR35 by human milk oligosaccharides through different pathways. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 16117.
  • 7 Jantscher-Krenn et al. (2012). Human milk oligosaccharides reduce Entamoeba histolytica attachment and cytotoxicity in vitro. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(10), 1839–1846.

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.

Lacto-N-tetraose is a type-1 neutral core HMO and one of the most prevalent HMOs in milk. It is notably abundant in colostrum and particularly prominent in non-secretor milk, where it represents one of the dominant HMO structures. The predominance of type-1 oligosaccharides such as LNT is considered a feature specific to human milk, distinguishing it from the milk of other mammals.

LNT is preferentially degraded by Bifidobacterium bifidum, which uses a dedicated enzyme (lacto-N-biosidase) specific to type 1 human milk oligosaccharide structures such as LNT, a pathway not shared by all Bifidobacterium species. In Bifidobacterium infantis, fermentation of intact LNT shifts the balance of short-chain fatty acids produced toward relatively more acetate compared with growth on LNT’s individual component sugars, supporting a lower gut pH and a favourable environment during early microbiome establishment.

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