LNnT structure

GlycoActiveTM

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.

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 LNnT Ultra is powder of highly pure infant food grade quality with purity levels
    above 80% (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 LNnT 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 1067). 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.

Request more information

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets LNnT apart?

Lacto-N-neotetraose is a type-2 neutral core HMO and the structural counterpart to LNT, sharing the same monosaccharide composition but with a distinct β1,4 (LNnT) versus β1,3 (LNT) glycosidic linkage that confers different biological properties. Its concentration in milk decreases as lactation progresses, consistent with the general pattern of neutral core HMOs 1. LNnT is one of the most widely studied HMOs in the portfolio, notably as the first HMO to be tested in combination with 2'FL in a randomised clinical trial in infants, a landmark study that demonstrated meaningful benefits for gut microbiome composition and infection rates 2. This clinical pedigree, combined with its broad regulatory approval across key global markets, makes LNnT a scientifically and commercially well-established ingredient.

BY THE NUMBERS

What sets LNnT apart?

Lacto-N-neotetraose is a type-2 neutral core HMO and the structural counterpart to LNT, sharing the same monosaccharide composition but with a distinct β1,4 (LNnT) versus β1,3 (LNT) glycosidic linkage that confers different biological properties. Its concentration in milk decreases as lactation progresses, consistent with the general pattern of neutral core HMOs 1. LNnT is one of the most widely studied HMOs in the portfolio, notably as the first HMO to be tested in combination with 2'FL in a randomised clinical trial in infants, a landmark study that demonstrated meaningful benefits for gut microbiome composition and infection rates 2. This clinical pedigree, combined with its broad regulatory approval across key global markets, makes LNnT a scientifically and commercially well-established ingredient.

HEALTH BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

The science behind LNnT

LNnT has one of the most clinically grounded evidence bases among the commercially available HMOs, particularly when studied in combination with 2'FL. A randomised clinical trial demonstrated that infants fed formula supplemented with 2'FL and LNnT showed a gut microbiome composition more closely resembling that of breastfed infants, along with reduced incidence of respiratory infections, ear infections, and antibiotic use 2. Evidence also suggests this combination may help infants born by caesarean section develop a more favourable early microbiome and reduce the reported incidence of colic 2,3.



In the gut, LNnT has been reported to support gut barrier function and may act as a prebiotic for B. infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, with evidence suggesting stimulation of beneficial microbial metabolites 4,5. Emerging research also suggests that LNnT may help prevent harmful microbes from adhering to respiratory cells 6.

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 Puccio et al. (2017). Effects of infant formula with human milk oligosaccharides on growth and morbidity: a randomized multicenter trial. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 64(4), 624–631.
  • 3 Vandenplas et al. (2018). Human Milk Oligosaccharides: 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and Lacto-N-Neotetraose (LNnT) in Infant Formula. Nutrients, 10(9), 1161.
  • 4 Natividad et al. (2022). Human milk oligosaccharides and lactose differentially affect infant gut microbiota and intestinal barrier in vitro. Nutrients, 14(12), 2546.
  • 5 Thongaram et al. (2017). Human milk oligosaccharide consumption by probiotic and human-associated bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(10), 7825–7833.
  • 6 Idänpään-Heikkilä et al. (1997). Oligosaccharides interfere with the establishment and progression of experimental pneumococcal pneumonia. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 176(3), 704–712.

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-neotetraose is a type-2 neutral core HMO and the structural counterpart to LNT. It shares the same monosaccharide composition as LNT but with a distinct glycosidic linkage, which confers different biological properties. LNnT is one of the most widely studied HMOs and was the first neutral core HMO to be tested in combination with 2’FL in a landmark randomised clinical trial.

LNnT was studied in combination with 2’FL in a randomised clinical trial (2017), which demonstrated that infants fed formula supplemented with 2’FL and LNnT showed a gut microbiome composition more closely resembling that of breastfed infants, along with reduced incidence of respiratory infections, ear infections, and antibiotic use. Note that these outcomes refer specifically to the 2’FL and LNnT combination, not LNnT alone.

GET IN TOUCH

Request specific information
about one or more ingredient(s)

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