2'-fucosyllactose structure

GlycoActiveTM

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.

This product is a trisaccharide that is identical to what is naturally present in human milk and is comprised of L-fucose, D-galactose and D-glucose.

  • GlycoActiveTM 2’FL Ultra is powder of highly pure infant food grade quality with purity levels 
 above 94% (1)
  • 60 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 1829/2003 and 1830/2003

(2) according to EC regulation 1169/2011 annex II

GlycoActiveTM 2’FL 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 1091). 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 2'FL apart?

The concentration of HMOs in milk varies significantly between individuals, largely determined by maternal genetics. A key factor is secretor status. Women with an active FUT2 gene, known as secretor+ individuals, produce a distinctly different HMO profile compared to non-secretor individuals 1. The most obvious difference involves 2'-Fucosyllactose.

In secretor+ milk, 2'FL is by far the most abundant structure, up to 40% of the total HMO pool in colostrum, significantly exceeding any of its counterparts. This natural dominance reflects its key biological role in early development, and explains why it was the first HMO to enter the infant formula market. For formulators, 2'FL is widely regarded as the cornerstone of any HMO formulation strategy, backed by the longest commercial history and the broadest body of publicly available science.

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets 2'FL apart?

The concentration of HMOs in milk varies significantly between individuals, largely determined by maternal genetics. A key factor is secretor status. Women with an active FUT2 gene, known as secretor+ individuals, produce a distinctly different HMO profile compared to non-secretor individuals 1. The most obvious difference involves 2'-Fucosyllactose.

In secretor+ milk, 2'FL is by far the most abundant structure, up to 40% of the total HMO pool in colostrum, significantly exceeding any of its counterparts. This natural dominance reflects its key biological role in early development, and explains why it was the first HMO to enter the infant formula market. For formulators, 2'FL is widely regarded as the cornerstone of any HMO formulation strategy, backed by the longest commercial history and the broadest body of publicly available science.

HEALTH BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

The science behind 2'FL

2'-Fucosyllactose is the most abundant and most extensively studied HMO, accounting up to 40% of the total HMO content in secretor+ milk. Its prevalence in milk is not coincidental, as 2'FL may play a central role in shaping the early gut environment, training the immune system, and protecting against harmful pathogens from the very first days of life.

At its core, 2'FL acts as a precision prebiotic, selectively feeding beneficial Bifidobacterium species in the gut while not supporting the growth of pathogens 2. This selective activity helps establish the microbiome composition characteristic of healthy infants, supporting both gut barrier integrity and immune development 3,4. Published research further shows that 2'FL helps prevent harmful microbes from adhering to intestinal and respiratory cells, acting as a decoy receptor that blocks pathogen attachment before infection can take hold 5.

Beyond the gut, emerging scientific evidence points to a positive role for 2'FL in early brain and cognitive development, with observational studies suggesting associations between 2'FL exposure and developmental outcomes in infants 6. While this evidence is still emerging, it reflects the broader multifunctional potential of this remarkable molecule.

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 Salli et al. (2021). Selective utilisation of the human milk oligosaccharides 2'-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose and difucosyllactose by various probiotic and gut/pathogenic bacteria. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69(1), 170–182.
  • 3 Castanys-Muñoz et al. (2013). 2'-Fucosyllactose: an abundant genetically determined soluble glycan present in human milk. Nutrition Reviews, 71(12), 773–789.
  • 4 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.
  • 5 Weichert et al. (2013). Bioengineered 2'-fucosyllactose and 3-fucosyllactose inhibit the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enteric pathogens to human intestinal and respiratory cell lines. Nutrition Research, 33(10), 831–838.
  • 6 Berger et al. (2020). Human milk oligosaccharide 2'-fucosyllactose links feedings at 1 month to cognitive development at 24 months in infants of normal and overweight mothers. PLoS One, 15(2), e0228323.

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.

2′-Fucosyllactose is the most abundant HMO in secretor+ milk, accounting for a significant proportion of the total HMO pool. It was the first HMO to receive regulatory approval and enter commercial production, and it carries the largest body of publicly available clinical evidence of any single HMO. It is widely regarded as the cornerstone of any HMO formulation strategy.
Secretor status refers to a genetically determined trait controlled by the FUT2 gene. Women who carry an active FUT2 gene, known as secretor+ individuals, produce milk with high concentrations of 2’FL. Non-secretor individuals produce little to no 2’FL. Approximately 80% of women globally are secretor+.
Yes. GlycoActiveTM 2’FL Ultra is approved for use in infant formula in the EU, US, and numerous other global markets. It is compatible with both wet and dry blending processes and meets infant-grade quality standards.

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