Yili's Innovative Breast Milk Research Recognized at ESPGHAN 2025
From May 14 to 17, 2025, the city of Helsinki played host to the 57th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Among the notable contributions at the event, Yili Group showcased twelve groundbreaking insights related to breast milk, focusing on vital components such as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), Lactoferrin, and the optimal balance of fatty acids in infant nutrition.
The conference achieved remarkable attendance, marking significant global interest especially evident in the special seminar hosted by Yili, which captivated international delegates. This interactive session allowed for an in-depth discussion on the latest advancements and research findings related to breast milk and its components.
Groundbreaking Research Outcomes
One of the highlights of the 2025 meeting was a collaborative study presented by Yili in partnership with Dr. Ai Zhao's team at Tsinghua University and the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy in China. Their research, which scored among the highest of over 1,500 submissions, introduced a pioneering application of machine learning techniques aimed at elucidating the nutritional complexity of breast milk.
This groundbreaking study illuminated how a carefully targeted combination of DHA, EPA, and DSLNT could effectively modulate the gut microbiota in both mothers and infants. The findings provided a novel theoretical framework for formulating precise nutritional interventions aimed at enhancing the health of mothers and their infants.
Additionally, Yili alongside esteemed academic institutions including Nanchang University and China Agricultural University shared further groundbreaking findings. These studies shed light on how the emotional condition of mothers post-birth can impact the gut microbiota of their infants and influence early brain development. Moreover, they revealed how a balanced fatty acid profile in diet can enhance lipid metabolism and cognitive functions through gut microbiota modulation.
The research also explored the potential benefits of milk fat substitutes in regulating gut microbiota, reducing fat accumulation, and fostering healthy physical development in infants.
Insights from Industry Experts
During the seminar titled “Promoting Healthy Infant Development: Insights from Breast Milk, Gut Microbiota, and Nutrition Research,” Dr. Ignatius Szeto, Vice President of Yili Group, elaborated on the crucial function of HMOs, emphasizing their pivotal role in supporting gut health, immune function, nutrient absorption, and cognitive development in infants. Dr. Szeto championed the importance of ongoing research in this vital area.
Additionally, Professor Zhang Yumei from the School of Public Health at Peking University discussed the interrelated benefits of key components in breast milk. During her presentation, she mentioned factors such as HMOs, Lactoferrin, and Nucleotides and their synergistic effects on supporting the immune, gut, neurological, and metabolic systems of infants. She praised Yili for its comprehensive view of the health impacts of breast milk and lauded its leadership in establishing AI-driven research and development paradigms for maternal and infant nutrition—a key to pioneering advancements in precision research for infant nutrition.
Furthermore, Professor Marc Benning from Amsterdam University Medical Center emphasized the vital inclusion of gut health biomarkers as significant metrics in infant nutrition research, indicating an ever-expanding horizon for future studies.
Looking Ahead
Currently, Pro-Kido, Yili's infant formula brand, has launched an extensive array of tailored nutritional solutions for infants worldwide including products like ZhenHu, Aronurish, Seine Mouiller, and UITSTEKEND GEITENMELK. Looking forward, Yili plans to harness its 15 global innovation centers to further propel the entire value chain of innovation and enhance international collaboration in key dairy research areas, with the ultimate goal of better serving consumers across the globe.
Conclusion
Yili's contributions at the ESPGHAN 2025 highlight significant advancements not only in breast milk research but also in broader nutritional practices for infants and maternal health, setting a benchmark for future research and application in pediatric nutrition.