http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=73316&m=1NIE112&c=ymhgzhkpfeeb
tvm

Nestle confirms interest in Novartis' Gerber

Despite this strong indication of interest, it is not yet clear that
Novartis is looking to sell.
.......

Nestle has already signalled that it is investing in the next generation of
infant and baby products: in December it announced that it has entered into
an exclusive agreement with Danish biotech company for research and
development into the use of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) in infant
nutrition products. 

HMOs, found in human breast milk but not in cow's milk, are understood to
help boost the body's natural defence and aid development. 

There is a general trend towards fortification of infant nutrition with
nutrients that are as close as possible to those found in breast milk. In
particular, omega-3 is now frequently added to formulas. 

Probiotics from human breast milk have been developed by Swedish company
BioGaia and Spain's Puleva, and are already used in supplements and
children's food products respectively. 

While the first few products containing prebiotics from plant sources have
appeared on the market, with more believed to be in development, Nestle said
that the use of HMOs in infant nutrition is not yet commercially viable. 

If the three-year programme yields successful results it would give Nestle a
significant advantage in the sector.

"Breast milk is the best for infants but some mothers cannot breast feed or
choose not to do so," said Nestle on announcing the agreement. 

Judy Ritchie

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