Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) is a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) commonly added to infant formulas to more closely mimic the composition of human breast milk. The rationale for its inclusion in formulas for infants with Failure to Thrive (FTT) primarily stems from its known benefits in supporting gut health, immune function, and possibly nutrient absorption in infants. Scientific studies have demonstrated that 2′-FL can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria, and help modulate immune responses. However, direct clinical evidence supporting the use of 2′-FL specifically to treat or reverse FTT is limited. Most of the research to date has focused on healthy infants or those at risk for infections, rather than on those with established FTT. Some studies have shown that formulas supplemented with 2′-FL are well tolerated and may support normal growth parameters, but robust, high-quality clinical trials targeting FTT populations are lacking. As a result, while the addition of 2′-FL to formula is scientifically justified for general infant health and potentially for supporting growth in at-risk infants, the direct evidence for its effectiveness as a treatment for FTT is weak. Hence, the evidence level is rated as 2—suggesting some scientific rationale and indirect evidence, but insufficient direct clinical validation for this specific use case.

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