Wyeth Nutrition became the first foreign company to launch an HMO growing-up infant formula in China following the country's recent approval of two human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) as food additives, the Switzerland-headquartered company announced recently.

HMOs have the third highest content in breast milk after fat and lactose. They are also the top immunomodulatory bioactive nutrients, which help modulate the immune system, aid brain development and regulate gut microbiota.

On Oct 7, China's National Health Commission announced the approval of two HMOs, 2'- fucosyllactose (2'FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), as food additives. Wyeth Nutrition has since developed its new illuma growing-up formula, which has the two HMOs, at the company's plant in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. The company announced the launch of the new formula on Nov 13.

The new formula is developed based on the physiological development characteristics of children above 3 years old, said the company.

Wyeth Nutrition added that the launch of the new formula underscores its "In China, For China" commitment and demonstrates the strength of its research, innovation and production.

The company also said that it will enhance its local research and development and production to better meet the diverse nutritional needs of China's consumer market.