Infant formula with OPO ingredient

OPO, or SN-2 palmitate mimics the fatty acid profile of human milk and provides about 50% of energy for infant development. Several clinical studies show the benefits of infant formula with added SN-2 palmitate, amongst them increased fat and calcium absorption.

According to Advanced Lipids, a provider of OPO, continuing scientific research has led to the popularity of this ingredient in the infant formula market, most especially in China. The company said that more manufacturers now use its OPO product, INFAT^®, from only five brands in 2007, to more than 150 at present.

Longer sleep duration, reduced crying, and better fat and calcium absorption are benefits of infant formula with INFAT^®

In China, OPO accounts for 40% of the retail value of the $48 billion global formula market. This is the reason Advanced Lipids will present the growing number of clinical research supporting OPO, at Food Ingredients China (22 to 24 March in Shanghai)

Dr Sigalit Zchut, the company’s Chief Scientist, will present the results of a recent pre-clinical study showing that INFAT^® may have a beneficial effect on the length and quality of bones. This is in addition to the product’s many other clinically proven benefits, which include longer sleep duration, reduced crying, and better fat and calcium absorption.

“Quality is extremely important in China’s formula market where the two biggest factors driving choice of product are nutritional value and safety. Consumers actively seek out formula that contains OPO, which they know offers many benefits that are substantiated by clinical studies. The more we have learned about the clinical benefits of OPO, the more demand has risen in China. At Advanced Lipids, we are leading much of the scientific research and innovation contributing to the success of OPO,” said Dr Zchut.

Demand for infant formula is expected to soar in China in light of demographic and political changes. In a recent report, Mintel expects a 5.4 CAGR between 2016 and 2021 following the removal of the one-child policy and the growth in demand for organic formula.