Kerry advances breast-milk probiotic technology with Hereditum LC40 for infant nutrition

Hereditum LC40 is one of the first breast-milk probiotic strains researched, developed, and applied by Kerry, the Ireland-based group in food technology, nutrition, and ingredients science. During FI Vietnam 2026, a scientific conference held May 13–15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Kerry Group (Ireland) introduced a new advance in breast-milk probiotics (HMP), aimed at advancing research on infant nutrition. Dr. Celia Ning, Kerry's APAC Regional Scientific Director, highlighted a shift in infant nutrition from a 'supplementation' model toward 'biological regeneration,' with the microbiome playing a central role in shaping the infant's immune and digestive foundations. HMP (breast-milk probiotics) are probiotic strains isolated directly from healthy breast milk. Through careful selection and cultivation, HMP strains are ensured to remain viable, stable, and biologically active when applied to infant nutrition. Dr. Celia Ning noted that Hereditum LC40 (Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716) is among the first breast-milk probiotic strains researched, developed, and applied by Kerry, contributing to building the microbial foundation for infants from early life. The HMP research represents another approach to breast milk at the microbiome ecosystem level. In her talk, the doctor cited 11 clinical pieces of evidence in newborns and preterm infants, illustrating HMP's foundational role in infant nutrition. Notably, a systematic review and meta-analysis from the Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research Cordoba and the University of Cordoba (Spain) covering 435 infants found that LC40 supplementation helps prevent and reduce infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. LC40 is especially important for cesarean-born babies to compensate for probiotic deficits, helping balance the microbiome and reduce infection risk. The study also confirms LC40 is safe and well-tolerated for both preterm and term infants up to 36 months, delivering concrete benefits such as aiding cesarean-born babies, reducing diarrhea by 73% and respiratory infection risk by 27%. When combined with HMP BfM26 Bifidobacterium breve CECT7263, it helps protect preterm infants, reduce necrotizing enterocolitis and mortality, and shorten diarrhea duration to about 2.5 days.