- The current market for oligosaccharides in infant nutrition is demonstrating significant growth, driven by an increasing understanding of their benefits for infant health and development. There is a strong emphasis on the prebiotic effects of these carbohydrates, which help in establishing a healthy gut microbiota in infants, crucial for digestion and immunity
- Ongoing research continues to uncover the specific roles of different types of oligosaccharides, particularly human milk oligosaccharides, in supporting various aspects of infant health, including immune system modulation and protection against pathogens. This growing body of evidence is further fuelling the demand for their inclusion in infant formula products as a way to mimic the benefits of breast milk
- North America dominates the oligosaccharides in infant nutrition market with the largest revenue share of 35-40% in 2025, due to a combination of high disposable incomes allowing parents to purchase premium infant formulas, a strong awareness of the nutritional benefits of ingredients such as oligosaccharides for infant health, and a well-established market with significant presence of key international and domestic players. The region's robust healthcare infrastructure and stringent regulatory standards also contribute to consumer trust and market dominance
- Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the oligosaccharides in infant nutrition market during the forecast period due to increasing disposable incomes, rising awareness of infant nutrition, rapid urbanization, and a growing middle-class population in key countries such as China and India
- The human milk oligosaccharides segment dominates the largest market revenue share of 45.1% in 2025, driven by its increasing recognition as the gold standard for infant gut health and immune system development, directly mirroring the benefits of breast milk. This dominance is further propelled by a growing body of scientific research consistently validating the diverse health advantages of various HMO structures for infants, alongside rising parental awareness and demand for premium infant formulas that closely replicate the nutritional complexity of breast milk. Significant advancements in biotechnology are also making the production of specific HMOs, such as 2'-Fucosyllactose, more commercially viable and accessible for incorporation into infant formula, supported by strong recommendations from pediatricians and healthcare professionals. Continuous innovation by infant formula manufacturers to include a wider array of HMOs in their products further strengthens the segment's market position.
