Supporting babies’ defences

Exploring the latest science fuelling immune support in premium infant nutrition with Renske Hopman, market segment manager early life nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

The winter months are synonymous with plummeting temperatures and increased viral infections. For parents of infants, this season highlights one of their main priorities: supporting their little ones’ immune health. In fact, research shows that immunity is the number one concern for parents of children ages 0-1, according to Innova Market Insights.

When it comes to protecting infants, breastfeeding provides the gold standard in infant nutrition, since breast milk provides all-important antibodies from mother to baby – helping to build a strong defence against illness at a time when the infant’s own immune system is still maturing, the World Health Organization notes. For those who choose to feed their children with formula, or where breastfeeding isn’t possible, it’s no surprise that over half of parents want infant milk formulas that support their babies’ immunity.

In fact, demand for premium infant milk formulas is growing, with parents seeking nutrition that’s enriched with advanced, scientifically-backed ingredients to provide their children with additional health benefits, such as immune support. Parents’ key health priorities for their children and the latest pre-clinical research shows that MFGM-enriched whey has anti-viral effects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). MFGM-enriched whey also taps into the growing market for immune-supporting infant milk formulas, and offers a promising avenue for brands by supporting babies’ immunity through the winter months and beyond.

Putting immunity first

While historically, babies’ immune systems were thought to be mini versions of an adult’s, there has been a shift in thinking over the years, thanks to better scientific insight. Today, we know that compared to adults, babies are born with an immature immune system, which is finetuned over their first few years of life. Infants face a variety of complex immunological challenges – they must transition from a relatively protected in-utero environment to being exposed to a variety of new microbes and pathogens after they’re born.

A vulnerable population, babies face pathogenic threats, including RSV and rotavirus, in their early years. During the final stage of pregnancy, a baby receives protective immunoglobulins from the mother, but unless the baby is breastfed, protective components decrease within a few months following birth. It is therefore crucial that the newborn’s immune system develops and grows strong, to reduce the risk of pathogenic infections – providing a good basis for long and healthy living.

Given the increased risk of infection for babies, immune health is understandably a key priority for parents. In fact, parents report immune-related symptoms more than any other type of health concern during the first year of a child’s life. Figures show that over 59 per cent of parents with children under one year want to support their child’s immunity. So, how can we give babies a great start in life? Infant immunity is heavily influenced by the gut, and can be supported in several different ways: by strengthening the gut barrier, inhibiting pathogen binding, modulating the immune response or by stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria. Nutrition therefore plays an important role in supporting immunity during this vulnerable period in early life.

The latest science

One of the sought-after inclusions in infant nutrition is milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)-enriched ingredients. MFGM is the tri-layered membrane surrounding milk fat droplets in human and bovine milk, consisting of bioactive components like phospholipids, lactoferrin and IgG. Whey-based MFGM ingredients have been shown to support immune function, with clinical studies in infants indicating a link with reduced prevalence of diarrhoea and reduced episodes of middle ear infection. Research has now shown MFGM-enriched whey’s anti-viral effects against RSV in vitro.

The FrieslandCampina Ingredients pre-clinical study looked at the effects of MFGM-enriched whey on common infections in infants, including rotavirus and RSV. In addition, the study also looked at the effects on SARS-CoV-2 – the strain of coronavirus that causes Covid-19. The goal was to test the anti-viral activity of bovine MFGM-enriched whey against these infections.

Results showed that MFGM-enriched whey demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition for RSV and rotavirus infection in vitro, compared to its whey protein isolate (WPI) counterpart, while SARS-CoV-2 inhibition was only found at the highest concentration tested. These findings highlight MFGM-enriched whey’s anti-viral potential against these common viruses. The research also aligns with previous clinical observations on the benefits of MFGM-enriched formula on reduced respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in formula-fed infants.

Spotlight on premium infant formula

This new study provides another promising opportunity for infant formula brands to address parents’ immunity concerns, with the addition of MFGM-enriched whey. Despite a small decline in 2024, infant formula is the leading subcategory in the baby food segment, accounting for approximately 72 per cent of the total baby food category value worldwide, according to Euromonitor. Within this sector, there’s a growing trend towards premiumisation and multi-benefit ingredients, particularly in China. According to recent data, the Chinese ultra-premium infant formula segment showed the smallest decline – outperforming other price tiers, including mainstream infant milk formula, Nielsen reports. Part of this interest is down to consumers’ growing awareness of the health benefits of infant formula ingredients, with many looking for the latest developments, including lactoferrin, prebiotics and omega-3 and omega-6 lipids.

As such, more brands are increasingly leveraging additional bioactive components with proven health benefits in their infant milk formulas – to help their products stand out. This premiumisation trend presents a prime opportunity for brands to innovate and offer scientifically backed, immune-supporting solutions that meet parents’ evolving expectations.

Taking infant formula further

The first few years of life are a vulnerable time for infants, so when infants are formula fed, getting the right immune support, at the right time, is key. MFGM-enriched whey offers a science-backed solution for immune support in infant formulas, with novel insights on its anti-viral potential. For infant nutrition brands, it’s an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the premium infant milk formula market, by delivering products that not only meet parents’ demands but also help protect babies’ health.