Inspired by over 50 years of research in early life science, we continually innovate our range of Aptamil formula milks, including Aptamil Advanced. Our Aptamil range contains our most advanced prebiotic oligosaccharide combination+, including our unique 9:1 GOS/FOS ratio which is clinically proven to bring the gut microbiota closer to that of a breastfed infant1,2.
Breastmilk is the best form of nutrition for babies and contains all the nutrients needed to support an infant’s healthy growth and development in the first six months3.
Breastmilk composition is complex with a lot of unique bioactive ingredients and health benefits. Examples of the unique ingredients of breastmilk are the 150+ prebiotic oligosaccharides structures, stem cells, immuno-ingredients, growth factors, antimicrobial factors, live healthy bacteria, metabolites and metabolic hormones4,5,6.
A blend of 9:1 short-chain galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (FOS) mimics the ratio of prebiotic oligosaccharides in breastmilk7,8, and has been shown to selectively stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in infant’s gut9. This has beneficial outcomes in infants, such as:
2-‘FL (2'Fucosyllactose) is the most abundant human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) within breastmilk11. 2-‘FL has been suggested to have a role in the development of the immune system in babies12. A prebiotic mixture including 9:1 GOS/FOS and 2’FL± in infant formula can further mimic the complexity of HMOs7.
Phospholipids: Phospholipids are a type of lipid which can be found in breastmilk and other fat sources e.g. milk fat13. Phospholipids play an important role in14,15,16:
Fat containing SN-2 palmitate: The milk fat in breastmilk predominantly consists of triglycerides where the palmitic acid has a unique placement in the SN-2 position17. Most infant formulas contain palmitic acid not in the SN-2 position. Research has shown that adding milk fat with SN-2 palmitate to infant formula leads to17,18:
Omega-3 (DHA, EPA, ALA) and Omega-6 (LA, AA) are essential fatty acids which can be found in breastmilk and in specific food sources and cannot be produced by the body.
They play an important role in19,20:
*Beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 100mg DHA, 2g ALA and 10g LA.
±2'FL is added to formula as a structurally identical human milk oligosaccharide and is not sourced from breast milk.
+ Aptamil Advanced contains our most advanced oligosaccharide combination of 9:1 GOS/FOS and 2-’FL. Aptamil contains our 9:1 GOS/FOS oligosaccharide blend.
Aptamil First Infant Milk and Aptamil Advanced First Infant Milk are suitable from birth for combination or bottle feeding.
Aptamil Follow On Milks are suitable from 6 months as part of a weaning diet.
For toddlers over 1 year of age, specially formulated with our blend of GOS/FOS plus iron. Also containing vitamin D which contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
1. Knol J, Scholtens P, Kafka C, et al. Colon microflora in infants fed formula with galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides: more like breast-fed infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2005;40(1):36-42.
2. Moro G et al. Dosage-related bifidogenic effects of galacto- and fructooligosaccharides in formula-fed term infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2002;34:291-5.
3. Kim SY, Yi DY. Components of human breast milk: from macronutrient to microbiome and microRNA. Clin Exp Pediatr. 2020;63(8):301-309.
4. Soyyılmaz B, Mikš MH, Röhrig CH, Matwiejuk M, Meszaros-Matwiejuk A, Vigsnæs LK. The Mean of Milk: A Review of Human Milk Oligosaccharide Concentrations throughout Lactation. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 9;13(8):2737. doi: 10.3390/nu13082737.
5. Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):49-74. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.10.002.
6. What are prebiotics and why are they important, Nutricia Academy. Available at:
https://www.nutricia.co.uk/hcp/academy/the-gut-microbiome/what-are-prebiotics-and-why-are-they-important.html [Accessed April 2023]
7. Salminen S, Stahl B, Vinderola G, Szajewska H. Infant Formula Supplemented with Biotics: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 30;12(7):1952. doi: 10.3390/nu12071952.
8. Danone Nutricia Research, Our specific pre-, pro- and synbiotics. Available at: https://www.danoneresearch.com/allergy/our-specific-pre-pro-and-synbiotics/ (Accessed October 2023)
9. Knol J et al. Acta Paediatr Suppl 2005;94(449):31-3
10. Moro G et al. Dosage-related bifidogenic effects of galacto- and fructooligosaccharides in formula-fed term infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2002;34:291-5.).
11. Vandenplas et al., Human Milk Oligosaccharides: 2-Fucosyllactose (2-FL) and Lacto-N-Neotetraose (LNnT) in Infant Formula. Nutrients 2018, 10, 116
12. Danone Nutricia Research, Our specific pre-, pro- and synbiotics. Available at: https://www.danoneresearch.com/allergy/our-specific-pre-pro-and-synbiotics/ (Accessed October 2023)
13. Donatella Restuccia, U. Gianfranco Spizzirri, Francesco Puoci, Giuseppe Cirillo, Giuliana Vinci & Nevio Picci (2012) Determination of Phospholipids in Food Samples, Food Reviews International, 28:1, 1-46, DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2011.563398
14. Liu Y, Liu Y, Liu Q, Zhao J, Qiao W, Liu B, Yang B, Chen L. Comparison of phospholipid composition and microstructure of milk fat globules contained in human milk and infant formulae. Food Chem. 2023 Jul 30;415:135762. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135762.
15. Giuffrida F, Cruz-Hernandez C, Flück B, Tavazzi I, Thakkar SK, Destaillats F, Braun M. Quantification of phospholipids classes in human milk. Lipids. 2013 Oct;48(10):1051-8. doi: 10.1007/s11745-013-3825-z. Epub 2013 Aug 28. PMID: 23982210;
16. Cilla A, Diego Quintaes K, Barberá R, Alegría A. Phospholipids in Human Milk and Infant Formulas: Benefits and Needs for Correct Infant Nutrition. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Aug 17;56(11):1880-92. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2013.803951.
17. Bar-Yoseph F, Lifshitz Y, Cohen T, Malard P, Xu C. SN2-Palmitate Reduces Fatty Acid Excretion in Chinese Formula-fed Infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016 Feb;62(2):341-7. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000000971. PMID: 26334255;
18. Looijesteijn, E., Brouwer, R.W.W., Schoemaker, R.J. et al. Effect of bovine milk fat-based infant formulae on microbiota, metabolites and stool parameters in healthy term infants in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Nutr 8, 93 (2022).
19. The importance of long chain polyunsaturates for infant health and development, Nutricia Academy. Available at: https://www.nutricia.co.uk/hcp/academy/infant-toddler-nutrition/the-importance-of-long-chain-polyunsaturates-for-infant-health-and-development.html [Accessed October 2023]
20. Commission delegated regulation (EU) 2016/2017, supplementing Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council). Available at: CL2016R0127EN0050010.0001.3bi_cp 1..1 (europa.eu)
For more information about the Aptamil range and to find the right product for your patient's needs, visit Aptaclub. Explore the full range of Aptamil milk formulas for infants aged 0-6 months, 6-12 months and toddlers, the range also includes specialised options like Aptamil Advanced, designed with our most advanced formulation.
Breastfeeding is best. Infant milk is suitable from birth, when babies are not breastfed and should only be used on the advice of a doctor, dietitian, pharmacist, or other professional responsible for maternal and child care. Follow-on milk should only be used as part of a mixed diet and not as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. Use on the advice of a healthcare professional. Use Toddler milk as part of a varied, balanced diet from 1 year.
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