What is 2 '-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL)?

[pronounced: two-prime  few-CO-syl-LACK-tose]

This infant formula ingredient belongs to a group of sugars called human milk oligosaccharides (HMO). Sugars are a type of carbohydrate. Oligosaccharides are chains of small, repeating sugar units, which together form a long carbohydrate (oligo = many; saccharide = sugar). Since the name is so long, most people refer to this ingredient as “two prime FL” and write it simply as “2’-FL.” Formula labels stating that they contain HMOs usually contain this ingredient.

This ingredient is one of about 200 HMOs found in human milk. It is not found in cow’s milk, however. Its manufacturing is a breakthrough in infant formula technology. It is made through a large-scale fermentation process. Several different companies make 2’-FL, and their processes are protected company secrets. But, don’t let that scare you because 2’-FL has been highly studied and the manufacturing processes closely regulated.

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are similar infant formula ingredients. HMOs, GOS, and FOS are all bioactive compounds.

Bioactive Compounds or Factors

Human milk contains thousands of substances that do not meet the traditional definition of a nutrient, but which nonetheless influence infant health. GOS, and FOS, and 2’-FL all fall into this other category called “bioactive compounds,” which can also be referred to as “bioactive factors.”

Fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are all familiar nutrients. Nutrients are substances the body uses for growth and reproduction. Bioactive compounds also play a role in growth; however, their actions are different than with nutrients.

Bioactive compounds, such as HMOs, protect infant health and promote development in three main ways:

• preventing infections,

• influencing development of organ systems and how genes are expressed, and

• reducing inflammation.

Regulations and Safety

Since 2016, the US FDA considers 2’-FL to be generally regarded as safe (GRAS). In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority determined 2’-FL to be safe for infants when it is added to formula along with another oligosaccharide, lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). This multi-country study was highly influential in this determination.

Dietary Considerations

This HMO is added to many cow’s milk-based standard and solution formulas. It is not found in any plant-based, non-dairy formulas at this time. It can be manufactured meeting kosher and halal certifications.

Read recent research about 2’-FL and the impact on cavities.