6'Sialyllactose structure

GlycoActiveTM

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.

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 6’SL Ultra is powder of highly pure infant food grade quality with purity levels
    above 88% (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 6’SL holds regulatory approval in the European Union as a Novel Food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, and has obtained GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in the United States (GRN 1075). 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 6'SL apart?

6'-Sialyllactose is the most abundant sialylated HMO in milk, consistently ranking above its structural isomer 3'SL in concentration across all lactating women regardless of secretor status 1. Like 3'SL, 6'SL is universally present in human milk and in milk of many other mammalian species 2. Its concentration is highest in colostrum and decreases gradually as lactation progresses, following the general pattern of sialylated HMOs 3. As the more abundant of the two sialylated HMOs in the GlycoActive™ portfolio, 6'SL contributes a complementary and structurally distinct sialylated dimension to any HMO formulation strategy.

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets 6’SL apart?

6'-Sialyllactose is the most abundant sialylated HMO in milk, consistently ranking above its structural isomer 3'SL in concentration across all lactating women regardless of secretor status 1. Like 3'SL, 6'SL is universally present in human milk and in milk of many other mammalian species 2. Its concentration is highest in colostrum and decreases gradually as lactation progresses, following the general pattern of sialylated HMOs 3. As the more abundant of the two sialylated HMOs in the GlycoActive™ portfolio, 6'SL contributes a complementary and structurally distinct sialylated dimension to any HMO formulation strategy.

HEALTH BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

The science behind 6’SL

The scientific literature attributes a range of biological activities to 6'SL, with evidence spanning gut health, immunity, and early development. In the gut, 6'SL has been reported to support gut barrier function, alone or in combination with other HMOs, and may act as a precision prebiotic for Bifidobacterium infantis, with emerging evidence suggesting it may also stimulate the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as propionate 4,5,6.

With respect to immunity, published research suggests 6'SL may support immune development, help mitigate the impact of inflammation, reduce the risk of pathogen adhesion in the gut, and may have a possible role in reducing allergic sensitisation 7,8,9,10. As a sialylated structure, 6'SL may also serve as a natural dietary source of sialic acid. Emerging observational data suggest a possible positive association between 6'SL levels and infant cognitive and motor development 11.

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 Tao et al. (2011). Evolutionary glycomics: characterization of milk oligosaccharides in primates. Journal of Proteome Research, 10(4), 1548–1557.
  • 3 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.
  • 4 Kong et al. (2019). Modulation of intestinal epithelial glycocalyx development by human milk oligosaccharides and non-digestible carbohydrates. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 63(17), e1900303.
  • 5 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.
  • 6 Han et al. (2024). Dietary human milk oligosaccharides reduce allergic airway inflammation by modulating SCFAs level and ILC2 activity. Immunology, 173(3), 562–574.
  • 7 Triantis et al. (2018). Immunological effects of human milk oligosaccharides. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6, 190.
  • 8 Van Nguyen et al. (2022). 6'-Sialylactose abolished lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and hyperpermeability in endothelial cells. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 45(11), 836–848.
  • 9 Facinelli et al. (2019). Breast milk oligosaccharides: effects of 2'-fucosyllactose and 6'-sialyllactose on the adhesion of Escherichia coli and Salmonella fyris to Caco-2 cells. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 32(17), 2950–2952.
  • 10 Castillo-Courtade et al. (2015). Attenuation of food allergy symptoms following treatment with human milk oligosaccharides in a mouse model. Allergy, 70(9), 1091–1102.
  • 11 Rajhans et al. (2023). The role of human milk oligosaccharides in myelination, socio-emotional and language development: observational data from breastfed infants in the United States of America. Nutrients, 15(21), 4624.

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. ​

6′-Sialyllactose consistently ranks as the most abundant sialylated HMO in human milk across all lactating women, regardless of secretor status. Its concentration is highest in colostrum and decreases gradually as lactation progresses, consistent with the general pattern of sialylated HMOs. Furthermore, 6’SL is also found in milk of many other mammalian species.

Yes. GlycoActiveTM 6’SL holds regulatory approval for use in infant formula in the EU and US, among other markets. Please contact our team for the most current regulatory status in your target market.

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