2′-Fucosyllactose

2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) is a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) with the IUPAC abbreviation Fuc-α-1,2-Gal-β1,4-Glc-FL, molecular formula C18H32O15, and molecular weight 488.44 g/mol. It is most commonly produced by yeast fermentation using genetically engineered microorganisms, after which the product is purified, concentrated, and dried to obtain a white or off-white powder that is freely soluble in water.

2′-FL consists of three sugar units: fucose, galactose, and glucose. It is the most abundant HMO in the milk of women who express the functional 2-fucosyltransferase gene and is not present in the milk of other mammals at significant levels.

Applications in Infant Nutrition:

• 2′-FL is added to infant formulas to mimic the beneficial functions of HMOs found in human milk, especially in supporting the development of a healthy intestinal microbiome and immune system.
• It acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium in the gut, and helps in pathogen defense by inhibiting the adhesion of harmful microorganisms to the intestinal wall.
• Clinical studies indicate that supplementation of infant formula with 2′-FL is safe, supports normal growth, and modulates immune responses to resemble those of breastfed infants.
• There is evidence that feeding infants formula supplemented with 2′-FL leads to immune profiles and gut microbiota more similar to breastfed infants and may help reduce infection-related adverse events.

Summary Table

2′-Fucosyllactose offers a means to bring infant formula closer in composition and functional benefits to human breast milk, especially regarding immune protection and gut microbiota support.