We know families are still facing challenges finding infant formula on shelves. We're dedicated to getting you the products you need as quickly as possible, and we appreciate your patience. You can now find more Similac Pro-Advance® ready-to-use bottles and Similac® powder nationwide. Speak to your pharmacist or local retailer. You may also visit the Similac® Information Center for regular updates.

Breast milk is best for your baby.

Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and the Dietitians of Canada recommend that you exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months and that you continue to breastfeed for up to 2 years or longer along with complementary foods.

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Human Milk Oligosaccharides

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Did you know?

Babies are born with an immature immune system that develops during the first few months of life. The mother protects her baby during this transition with components transferred in her breast milk, such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).1

What are HMOs?

Breast milk contains many protective factors that help build the baby’s immune system.
These include complex carbohydrates called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).2-5


HMOs are the third most abundant component of breast milk (excluding water).6,7

HMOs are the third most abundant component of breast milk (excluding water).
Similac Pro-Advance® Baby Formula - The first and only infant formula with 2’-FL* in Canada.

What is 2’-FL?

Of all the HMOs that have been identified in breast milk, 2’-fucosyllactose
(2’-FL) is the most abundant and is found in the milk of most mothers.8

What do HMOs, like 2’-FL, do?

About 70% of the immune system is found in the digestive tract9, so maintaining a favourable environment for beneficial bacteria in the gut can help babies build strong digestive and immune systems.6 HMOs, like 2'-FL, in breast milk can affect the baby's immune system in various ways:6

  • 2’-FL feeds good bacteria in the baby’s gut

    Feed the good bacteria
    in the baby’s gut
    (prebiotics)

  • 2’FL protects against harmful bacteria in the baby’s gut

    Protect against
    harmful bacteria
    in the baby’s gut

  • 2’FL supports the baby’s developing immune system

    Support the baby’s
    developing immune
    system

Immune Support Innovation: 2’-FL†

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2’-FL is backed by 20 years of research and was previously only available to breastfed babies. 2’-FL oligosaccharide†, a new and innovative ingredient, is now available to formula-fed babies who are nourished with Similac Pro-Advance®.


In a clinical study, parents who fed their babies Similac® with 2’-FL† reported 3 times fewer respiratory infections compared to parents whose babies were fed infant formula without 2'-FL.10,11†‡


Similac Pro-Advance® — Our most advanced and closest formula to breast milk.


The first and only baby formula with 2’-FL† in Canada.

† Not derived from human milk; identical structure to 2’-FL found in breast milk.

‡ Post-hoc analysis. Doctor-assessed adverse events.

References:

  • Kulinich A, Liu L. Human milk oligosaccharides: The role in the fine-tuning of innate immune responses. Carbohydr Res 2016;432:62‐70.
  • Field CJ. The Immunological Components of Human Milk and Their Effect on Immune Development in Infants. J Nutr 2005;135(1):1-4.
  • Iyengar SR, Walker WA. Immune factors in breast milk and the development of atopic disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2012;55(6):641-7.
  • Gregory KE, Walker WA. Immunologic Factors in Human Milk and Disease Prevention in the Preterm Infant. Curr Pediatr Rep
    2013 Dec;1(4):10.
  • Palmeira P, Carneiro-Sampaio M. Immunology of breast milk. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2016;62(6):584-93.
  • Jantscher-Krenn E, Bode L. Human milk oligosaccharides and their potential benefits for the breast-fed neonate. Minerva Pediatr 2012;64:83-99.
  • Zivkovic AM, German JB, Lebrilla CB et al. Human milk glycobiome and its impact on the infant gastrointestinal microbiota. Proc Natl Acad Sci 2011;108(Suppl. 1):4653-8.
  • Castanys-Munoz E, Martin MJ, Prieto PA. 2'-fucosyllactose: an abundant, genetically determined soluble glycan present in human milk. Nutr Rev 2013;71(12):773-89.
  • Perdigón G, Fuller R, Raya R. Lactic acid bacteria and their effect on the immune system. Curr Issues Intest Microbiol 2001;2(1):27-42.
  • Marriage BJ, Buck RH, Goehring KC et al. Infants fed a lower calorie formula with 2’-FL show growth and 2’-FL uptake like breast-fed infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2015;61:649-58.
  • Reverri EJ, Devitt AA, Kajzer JA et al. Review of the Clinical Experiences of Feeding Infants Formula Containing the Human Milk Oligosaccharide 2'-Fucosyllactose. Nutrients 2018;10(10):1346.