Kerry Group, an Irish multinational, recently unveiled a significant advancement in human milk probiotics (HMP) at a scientific workshop during the FI Vietnam 2026 exhibition, held from 13/5-15/5 in TP HCM. This initiative aims to integrate maternal milk probiotics into infant nutrition research, marking a pivotal shift in the industry.
Dr. Celia Ning, the group's Asia-Pacific scientific director, highlighted the industry's transition from a "component supplementation" model to "biological reconstruction." In this evolving paradigm, the microbiome plays a central role in shaping the immune and digestive foundations of newborns.
 |
Dr. Celia Ning presenting at the scientific workshop during the FI Vietnam 2026 exhibition. Photo: Green Life |
Human milk probiotics (HMP) are specific probiotic strains directly isolated from healthy maternal milk. Through rigorous selection and cultivation processes, these HMP strains demonstrate guaranteed viability, stability, and biological activity when incorporated into infant nutrition products.
According to Dr. Celia Ning, Hereditum LC40 (limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716) stands as one of the pioneering human milk probiotic strains researched, developed, and applied by Kerry. Its purpose is to contribute to establishing a robust microbial foundation for infants from their earliest stages of life. This research into HMP offers a novel approach to understanding maternal milk at the microbial ecosystem level.
During her presentation, Dr. Ning presented 11 clinical trials conducted on infants and premature babies, underscoring HMP's foundational role in infant nutrition. Notably, a systematic review and meta-analysis from the Maimonides Cordoba Institute for Biomedical Research and the University of Cordoba (Spain), involving 435 infants, demonstrated that HMP LC40 supplementation effectively prevents and reduces gastrointestinal infections.
HMP LC40 holds particular importance for infants born via cesarean section, helping to compensate for probiotic deficiencies. This aids in balancing the microbiome and reducing the risk of infection. Research confirms that LC40 is safe and well-tolerated for both premature infants and young children up to 36 months of age. It offers specific benefits such as supporting C-section born infants, helping reduce the incidence of diarrhea by 73% and respiratory infection risk by 27%. When combined with HMP BfM26 bifidobacterium breve CECT7263, it protects premature infants, reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and mortality rates. Furthermore, it helps reduce diarrhea incidence by 48% and shortens treatment time to 2,5 days.
 |
Dr. Celia Ning shared insights on maternal milk probiotics at the conference. Photo: Green Life |
As part of its strategic vision, Kerry stated it would continue to expand its portfolio of specialized human milk probiotic (HMP) strains.
Kerry Group is an Irish multinational operating in food technology, flavors, nutrition, and ingredient science. Established in 1972, the company began as a local dairy business before evolving into a global group. Currently, Kerry operates in approximately 50 countries with nearly 20,000 employees worldwide, and its 2025 revenue reached about 6,8 billion euro.
The group primarily focuses on providing flavor, nutrition, and ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Kerry collaborates with numerous international brands to develop new products, improve formulas, and meet modern consumer trends such as sugar reduction, protein enrichment, sustainable nutrition, or the use of natural ingredients.
In Vietnam, Kerry's HMP maternal milk probiotic solutions are distributed by GreenLife, a supplier of ingredients, nutrition, and healthcare solutions. As a strategic partner, GreenLife connects scientific and business ecosystems, promoting the application of advanced nutritional solutions in the Vietnamese market.
Yen Chi
Green Life Production Trading Service Co., Ltd.
Website: https://greenlifecorp.com.vn
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/infantnourish
