3-fucosyllactose structure

GlycoActiveTM

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.

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 3FL Ultra is powder of highly pure infant food grade quality with purity levels above 90%(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 1169/2011 annex II
(2) according to EC regulation 1829/2003 and 1830/2003

GlycoActiveTM 3FL 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 951). 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 3FL apart?

Unlike most HMOs, whose concentrations are highest in colostrum and decline as lactation progresses, 3-Fucosyllactose follows a uniquely different pattern. 3FL is the only HMO that increases in concentration throughout lactation, reaching its highest levels in mature and late milk, making it particularly significant during the extended breastfeeding period 1. This distinctive profile is further reinforced by its strong presence in non-secretor milk, where 2'FL is barely detectable, positioning 3FL as the primary fucosylated HMO in the non-secretor population 2.



Together, these characteristics reflect 3FL's specific and complementary biological role within the broader HMO landscape. For formulators, 3FL represents a scientifically compelling addition to any HMO portfolio, particularly for products targeting mature milk nutrition.

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets 3FL apart?

Unlike most HMOs, whose concentrations are highest in colostrum and decline as lactation progresses, 3-Fucosyllactose follows a uniquely different pattern. 3FL is the only HMO that increases in concentration throughout lactation, reaching its highest levels in mature and late milk, making it particularly significant during the extended breastfeeding period 1. This distinctive profile is further reinforced by its strong presence in non-secretor milk, where 2'FL is barely detectable, positioning 3FL as the primary fucosylated HMO in the non-secretor population 2.



Together, these characteristics reflect 3FL's specific and complementary biological role within the broader HMO landscape. For formulators, 3FL represents a scientifically compelling addition to any HMO portfolio, particularly for products targeting mature milk nutrition.

HEALTH BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

The science behind 3FL

The biological activity of 3FL spans several areas of early life health, each supported by preclinical and emerging scientific evidence. In the gut, 3FL has been reported to support gut wall and barrier function, and may act as a prebiotic for beneficial early-stage Bifidobacterium subspecies such as B. infantis and B. longum, as well as later-stage Lactobacillus and Bacteroides species, suggesting a role across different phases of microbiome development 3.

Preclinical evidence suggests that 3FL may have anti-inflammatory potential, including studies showing that 3FL, in combination with 2'FL, may help strengthen gut barrier function and attenuate colitis-associated injury in animal models 4. Additionally, published research suggests that 3FL may help reduce the risk of harmful microbes adhering to intestinal and respiratory cells 5.

Discover more health benefits
  • 1 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.
  • 2 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.
  • 3 Salli et al. (2021). Selective Utilization of the Human Milk Oligosaccharides 2′-Fucosyllactose, 3-Fucosyllactose, and Difucosyllactose by Various Probiotic and Pathogenic Bacteria. J. Agric. Food Chem. 69(1), 170-182.
  • 4 Kim et al. (2023). 2'-fucosyllactose and 3-fucosyllactose alleviates interleukin-6-induced barrier dysfunction and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating the intestinal microbiome. Nutrients, 15(8), 1845.
  • 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.

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. ​

Both 3FL and 2’FL are mono-focusylated HMOs, but differ in the type of fucose-lactose linkage. Unlike most HMOs, which decrease in concentration as lactation progresses, 3FL is the only HMO that increases throughout lactation, reaching its highest levels in mature and late milk. It is also particularly abundant in non-secretor milk, making it the primary fucosylated HMO for approximately 20% of the population.

Yes. 3FL is present in both secretor+ and non-secretor milk, and is particularly prominent in non-secretor milk where 2’FL is largely absent. This makes 3FL a scientifically distinctive and commercially valuable addition to any HMO portfolio.

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