2'-Fucosyllactose
Synopsis of 2'-Fucosyllactose
2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) is a type of human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), which are complex, non-digestible carbohydrates found abundantly in human breast milk. Among the more than 100 HMOs identified, 2′-FL is one of the most prevalent and well-studied, often comprising up to 30% of the total oligosaccharide content in breast milk from secretor-positive women. Structurally, it consists of three sugar units: fucose, galactose, and glucose. Despite being indigestible by infants, 2′-FL exerts its health benefits primarily by acting as a selective prebiotic and by mimicking the binding sites for certain pathogens.
2′-FL promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, especially Bifidobacteria, supporting the development of a healthy gut microbiota in infants. It also strengthens the intestinal barrier, contributes to the maturation of the immune system, and helps reduce inflammation. One of its most unique features is its role as a decoy receptor: by binding to pathogens such as Campylobacter and norovirus, it prevents them from attaching to the intestinal lining, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, 2′-FL may influence brain development and cognitive function through gut-brain axis interactions, although this area remains under study.
Modern nutritional science has made it possible to produce 2′-FL synthetically through microbial fermentation, allowing its inclusion in infant formulas designed to more closely resemble the composition of human milk. Clinical trials have shown that infants fed 2′-FL-enriched formula exhibit immune and digestive benefits more similar to those of breastfed infants. Research into its applications in adult health, including gut support and immune modulation, is ongoing.
Historical Use:
2′-Fucosyllactose itself has no record of traditional or historical use in herbal or folk medicine, as its existence and function were only elucidated through modern analytical techniques. The identification and scientific understanding of human milk oligosaccharides began in earnest in the 20th century, with 2′-FL being structurally characterized in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Before this, breast milk was long acknowledged for its protective qualities, but the specific components responsible for its immune-enhancing effects were not fully understood.
Although 2′-FL was unknown in earlier medical systems, the broader concept of breastfeeding as a critical foundation for infant health is ancient. Across cultures, breast milk was recognized for its life-sustaining and protective benefits. Wet nursing, herbal galactagogues, and dietary practices aimed at improving milk quality were common in many societies, reflecting an intuitive understanding of its importance.
Traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine did not include HMOs like 2′-FL, but they emphasized practices that supported maternal and infant health, including the use of nutritive herbs and tonics to ensure adequate milk production and vitality. These practices, while lacking the biochemical understanding we now have, aligned with modern insights into how early-life nutrition impacts immunity, digestion, and long-term health outcomes.
Today, the study and application of 2′-FL represent a convergence of age-old emphasis on the value of breastfeeding with modern biotechnological advances that allow for the precise replication of these bioactive milk components.
2'-Fucosyllactose is used for these health conditions
Allergies (food) (Scientific)
Allergies (respiratory) (Scientific)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Scientific)
Colic (children) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Failure to Thrive (Scientific)
Infection (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Infection (viral) (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Nursing (Scientific)
2'-Fucosyllactose is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Peyer’s patches (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
