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Patent Insights: Recent Advancements in Infant Formula
2026-04-22T08:01:22+00:00
REP92B5139A_D98D_4DF1_B513_9AD98D8DF196
2195
192776
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Report
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Infant formula patents highlight tailored solutions that support gut health, address allergy needs and support early gut and brain development in preterm infants. Neha Srivastava, Senior Patent Analyst - Food…
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Baby Food and Formula
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Patent Insights: Recent Advancements in Infant Formula

Infant formula patents highlight tailored solutions that support gut health, address allergy needs and support early gut and brain development in preterm infants.

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    • What you need to know
  1. WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY

    • Milk formulas with lactoferrin, HMOs and MFGM appeal to the largest parent segment
    • Graph 1: ingredients parents pay attention to when purchasing infant milk formula, 2025
    • Parents seek products with health benefits targeted to the unique needs of their infant
  2. PRODUCT INNOVATION TRENDS

    • Infant formula innovation varies significantly by region, reflecting local needs, preferences and regulations
    • Graph 2: % of baby formula (0-6 months) and baby formula (6-12 months) launches with a functional health claim, by region, 2021-26
    • Infant formulas target digestive health, allergies and preterm needs
  3. THE PATENT LANDSCAPE

    • Consistent patenting in infant formula highlights innovation and investment in early childhood nutrition
    • Graph 3: patents related to formula or ingredients used in infant formula, 2016-26
    • Europe dominates infant formula innovations with a majority of granted patents
    • Nestlé S.A. is a global leader in infant formula innovation
    • Graph 4: top 10 organisations with granted patents related to formula or ingredients used in infant formula, 2026
    • Prioritise gut health in infants
    • Infant formulas use HMOs, probiotics and milk fat globules to enhance gut health
    • Consider HMOs to support infant gut microbiome development for long‑term health benefits
    • Patents highlight the role of lipids and pre-digested fats in supporting vitamin production and nutrient absorption in the infant gut
    • Design formula to reduce allergies and intolerance
    • Allergen-related positioning is mainstream in the Americas
    • Graph 5: % of baby formula (0-6 months) and baby formula (6-12 months) launches with claims linked to allergies or intolerances, by region, 2021-26
    • Hydrolysed milk protein with probiotics and lactose suit infants with cow’s milk protein allergies
    • Protein hydrolysis and alternative protein sources offer pathways to allergen‑free infant formulas
    • Vitamin D3 helps regulate the immune system, and thickeners reduce interaction with milk protein to help manage cow’s milk protein allergies
    • Optimise formula for preterm infants
    • Specialised preterm formulas are designed to address the elevated nutritional demands of preterm infants
    • Ingredients that block glutaminolysis or improve micronutrient absorption may support brain development in preterm babies
    • Brands are exploring HMOs and milk fats to support gut maturation and intestinal barrier function in preterm infants
    • Improve lipid digestion and gut microbiome in preterm infants to boost long-term metabolic health
    • Rebuild trust in infant formula through safety innovation
  4. KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Key takeaways
  5. APPENDIX

    • Research methodology
    • Key patent examples for infant formula or ingredients used in infant formula
Download Report Summary

Infant formula patents highlight tailored solutions that support gut health, address allergy needs and support early gut and brain development in preterm infants.

Neha Srivastava, Senior Patent Analyst – Food & Drink and Beauty & Personal Care

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