Lacto-N-neotetraose (HMO)
Lacto-N-neotetraose (HMO) suppliers and sourcing guide
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) is a four-sugar oligosaccharide (galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose and glucose) that occurs naturally in human milk. Commercial LNnT is made by fermentation with genetically engineered Escherichia coli strains that build it from lactose and glucose, then purified by filtration, ion exchange and drying. It is sold as a white powder, mainly to infant formula and nutrition makers, often alongside 2'-fucosyllactose.
- Category
- Fibers
- Also known as
- LNnT · lacto-N-neotetraose · human milk oligosaccharide · HMO
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo)
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Spray-dried powder
The usual commercial form, high-purity LNnT for formula and supplement blends.
Crystalline LNnT
Crystallized grade with lower moisture, offered by some producers.
HMO blends
Premixes of LNnT with 2'-fucosyllactose or other HMOs in set ratios.
Producer-specific grades
Each producer's strain and process are covered by its own GRAS notice and specification.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- LNnT assay
- LNnT content by HPLC (HPAEC-PAD or HILIC), on a dry basis.
- Related carbohydrates
- Lactose, lacto-N-triose II, para-lacto-N-hexaose and other side products by HPLC.
- Moisture
- Water by Karl Fischer titration.
- Residual protein, endotoxin and DNA
- Protein, endotoxin by LAL test and absence of production-strain DNA by qPCR.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella and Cronobacter for infant use.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Keep LNnT in sealed, moisture-barrier packaging at room temperature or below, protected from humidity, since the powder is hygroscopic. Handle opened containers in low-humidity rooms and re-seal promptly. Shelf life or retest date comes from the producer's stability data.
Lots and expiry dates
Purity and the profile of related sugars vary by producer and lot, so compare the assay and side products on each COA. Record the producer and its GRAS notice number for each lot, since each notice covers that notifier's material and uses.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 547, for lacto-N-neotetraose notified by Glycom for term infant formula at up to 600 mg per liter and for listed foods, closed on Oct 2, 2015 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 919, for lacto-N-neotetraose notified by Jennewein Biotechnologie, closed on Oct 30, 2020 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 1067, for lacto-N-neotetraose notified by Inbiose, closed on Apr 4, 2023 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's prebiotics natural health product monograph lists lacto-N-neotetraose with Escherichia coli (whole cell for biosynthesis) as the source material.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Lacto-N-neotetraose (HMO) suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo) suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo)? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo) can brands buy?
Common forms include spray-dried powder, crystalline LNnT, hMO blends and producer-specific grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo) include?
Expect lNnT assay, related carbohydrates, moisture, residual protein, endotoxin and DNA, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo) be stored?
Keep LNnT in sealed, moisture-barrier packaging at room temperature or below, protected from humidity, since the powder is hygroscopic. Handle opened containers in low-humidity rooms and re-seal promptly. Shelf life or retest date comes from the producer's stability data.
What is the regulatory status of lacto-n-neotetraose (hmo)?
GRN 547, for lacto-N-neotetraose notified by Glycom for term infant formula at up to 600 mg per liter and for listed foods, closed on Oct 2, 2015 with FDA having no questions. GRN 919, for lacto-N-neotetraose notified by Jennewein Biotechnologie, closed on Oct 30, 2020 with FDA having no questions. GRN 1067, for lacto-N-neotetraose notified by Inbiose, closed on Apr 4, 2023 with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's prebiotics natural health product monograph lists lacto-N-neotetraose with Escherichia coli (whole cell for biosynthesis) as the source material.
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- Partially hydrolyzed guar gumPHGG · hydrolyzed guar gum
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