Plant-based prebiotic blend tested in preclinical study for gut health support in toddlers

A preclinical study examined the effects of a plant-based prebiotic blend for toddler nutritional support in milk formulas. Researchers conducted an in vitro study of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) on gut microbiota, specifically on microbial community composition and metabolic changes in donor samples of gut microbiota. The abstract for the study, titled “Identification of Synergistic Effects of Fructan and HMO Combinations on Toddler Gut Microbiota Using an In Vitro Model of Intestinal fermentation (Polyferms)”, was published during the 57th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition¹ as an e-poster. The study was conducted by a partnership of the Beneo Institute and ETH Zurich.

As the explained in the abstract, the study involved testing samples treated with 2’-FL alone, fructans alone, and with a fructan and 2’-FL combination. “Most of the metabolic and compositional changes were detected with fructans, while 2′‐FL alone showed less prominent effects,” the abstract conclusion stated. “Furthermore, distinct shifts were noted when fructans were combined with 2′‐FL, suggesting additive or synergistic effects.” In this case, the stimulation of the metabolite butyrate correlated with the production of beneficial bacteria, including members of the Lachnospiraceae family, such as Faecalibacterium. The combination also enhanced effects from the bifidobacterial community.

“These new insights underline the power of combining prebiotics from chicory root with the human milk oligosaccharide, 2’-FL, to more closely replicate the natural gut-supporting effects of breastmilk – a promising direction for smart solutions in toddler nutrition,” stated Stephan Theis, head of nutrition science and communication at Beneo, in a June 25 press release².

The press release also noted the potential for long-term digestive and immune health benefits from early-life nutritional support and for personalized nutrition support.

References

1. Pudenz, M., Theis, S., Bircher, L., van Harsselaar, J., Lacroix, C. Identification of Synergistic Effects of Fructan and HMO Combinations on Toddler Gut Microbiota Using an In Vitro Model of Intestinal Fermentation (POLYFERMS®). ESPGHAN 57th Annual Meeting Abstracts. JPGN Reports. 2025. 6(S1), 1613. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jpr3.70024
2. Beneo. New preclinical study highlights unique combination of chicory-derived prebiotics and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) for advancing toddler gut health https://www.beneo.com/news/hmo-and-prebiotics (accessed 2025-07-01).