patent-insights-maternal-nutrition.pdf

14 MARCH 2022 | REPORT
PATENT INSIGHTS: MATERNAL
NUTRITION
Recent patents for maternal health focus on a healthy gut, natural ingredients
with health benefits and links to pregnancy-related metabolic health
complications.
Parimaladevi Palanisamy,
Patent Analyst - Food &
Drink / Beauty & Personal
Care
1
Prepared for kmacnamara@mintel.com
© 2022 Mintel Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Confidential to Mintel.

Table of Contents
WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY ...............................................................................................4
PRODUCT INNOVATION TRENDS....................................................................................................... 6
Graph 1: % of food, drink, vitamin & supplement launches that feature a maternal claim, by
category, top 10 categories, 2017-21................................................................................................7
Graph 2: top 10 claims in food, drink, vitamin & dietary supplement launches with a maternal
claim, 2017-21................................................................................................................................... 8
THE PATENT LANDSCAPE ................................................................................................................ 10
Graph 3: inventions pertaining to maternal nutrition**, published each year, 2011-21 ...................11
Graph 4: Top 10 organisations with active* maternal nutrition** patent families globally ...............12
Develop probiotic and prebiotic formulations ..................................................................................13
Focus on natural ingredients like botanicals ..................................................................................16
Graph 5: important product features or functions when choosing vitamin for pregnancy, 2019 .....16
Focus on maternal nutrition for metabolic health ............................................................................19
THE IMPLICATION .............................................................................................................................. 21
APPENDIX ........................................................................................................................................... 23
https://clients.mintel.com/report/patent-insights-maternal-nutrition
2

Mintel's perspective
Develop probiotic and prebiotic ingredients
Some research shows that probiotic ingredients influence the development of a healthy gut microbiome,
which may benefit the baby as the mother's gut microbiome is thought to be linked to the health of a
baby.
Probiotic and prebiotic ingredients have shown potential to deliver health benefits during pregnancy and
lactation.
Focus on natural ingredients like botanicals
Consumer interest in natural ingredients with health benefits can open opportunities for maternal
nutrition products with ingredients like botanicals; assuming their safety and efficacy is proven.
For example, studies have researched the role of botanicals like cranberry in delivering health benefits
during pregnancy.
Focus on maternal nutrition for metabolic health
Metabolic disorders (a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity) can cause
complications during pregnancy and may impact the health of the baby.
There are opportunities for products that support metabolic health during the maternal period, such as
by reducing the risk of gestational diabetes through weight management.
At a glance
What consumers want and why
Mums are keen to take steps to ensure their baby gets the best start in life, creating opportunities for
nutritional solutions that support maternal health through the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum
periods.
Natural ingredients for gut microbiome health and for metabolic health during the maternal period can
thrive.
Product innovation trends
In the food, drink and supplement categories, launches with a maternal claim are currently scarce,
suggesting an opportunity for maternal health launches to grow and for expansion of maternal health
claims into 'new' categories beyond vitamin and dietary supplements.
The patent landscape
Patent publications are growing in the field of maternal health, and concentrate on probiotics and
prebiotics and natural ingredients as novel ingredients. Nestlé currently holds the most active patents for
maternal nutrition, globally.
3

WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY
4

Maternal nutrition: for preconception, pregnancy and
postpartum periods
The World Health Organization's report Good
Maternal Nutrition – The best start in life,
discusses the term 'maternal nutrition' in the
context of improved nutrition and wellbeing for
women of reproductive age, especially during the
preconception, pregnancy and postpartum
periods.
This report discusses how poor nutrition
throughout the maternal period – during fetal
development and early life (breastfeeding) – can
impact the short- and long-term health of a baby.
Increased risk of non-communicable diseases like
obesity throughout a baby's life course are
discussed as particular risks of malnutrition (under/
over nutrition) during the 'maternal' period.
Before pregnancy, women need nutritious and
safe diets to establish sufficient nutritional
reserves for pregnancy. During pregnancy and
breastfeeding, energy and nutrient needs
increase. Meeting them is critical for women’s
health and that of their child – in the womb and
throughout early childhood.
— UNICEF
“
”
Mums-to-be are keen to ensure their nutritional intakes will
deliver the best for their baby
NUTRITION
KNOWLEDGE
XX%
of Chinese pregnant
women learn relevant
knowledge to ensure
sufficient nutrition intake
in each stage of
pregnancy
ADJUSTED DIET
XX%
of Chinese pregnant
women adjust their daily
diet to ensure sufficient
nutrition intake during
each stage of pregnancy
TOOK SUPPLEMENTS
XX%
of Chinese pregnant
women take prescription
supplements to ensure
sufficient nutrition intake
during each stage of
pregnancy
Base: China: 3,000 female internet users aged 20-39 who are pregnant or have children aged 0-12
months
Source: KuRunData/Mintel, June 2019
5

PRODUCT INNOVATION TRENDS
6

Maternal nutrition launches are scarce, but most common in the
vitamin and dietary supplement category, followed by nutrition
drinks
Just X% of global food, drink, vitamin and dietary supplement launches in the five years ending 2021
featured a 'maternal' claim.
In the same five year period, X% of global vitamin and dietary supplement launches featured a maternal
claim. Maternal claims featured in less than 1% of other categories, such as nutrition drinks and other
beverages.
Global: % of food, drink, vitamin & supplement launches that feature a maternal claim, by
category, top 10 categories, 2017-21
Source: Mintel GNPD
7

Top claims in launches with a maternal claim are linked to health
functionality, naturalness and free-from dieting
In the five years ending 2021, XX% of the global food, drink, vitamin & dietary supplement launches with a
maternal claim also featured a female claim.
Global: top 10 claims in food, drink, vitamin & dietary supplement launches with a maternal
claim, 2017-21
Source: Mintel GNPD
8

Maternal claims feature in a number of categories, focusing on
different aspects of maternal nutrition
Ayurvedic supplement
Fembien Pregnancy Planning Food Supplement contains shatavari
extract, iodine and vitamins. It supports maternal tissue growth
during pregnancy (Germany).
Vitamin-enriched soup
La Moderna Noodle Soup with Tomato and Chicken contains vitamins
(niacin, thiamine and riboflavin) and folic acid, to help the normal
functioning and formation of baby's nervous system, and iron to prevent
anemia (Mexico).
Natural tea
Holle Organic Nursing Tea is a sustainably grown product comprising a
herbal blend of fennel, caraway, lemon balm and aniseed, for use at the
end stage of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It is free from sugar
(France).
9

THE PATENT LANDSCAPE
10

Patent publication activity related to maternal nutrition in food
and drink
Publication year
Global (excluding China-only filings*): inventions pertaining to maternal nutrition**, published
each year, 2011-21
* excludes patents filed only in China given the distorting number (in 2021 alone, 55 patent families were
published in China); ** food formulations supporting good health in women during pregnancy or postpartum
and also during the lactation period
Base: includes all published patents whether they are granted, pending, inactive or expired
Source: Cipher/Mintel, 11 Jan 2022
11

The leading countries for active granted patents are China
(%), US (%), France (%), EPO (%) and Germany (%)
Granted patent activity by country*, Maternal Nutrition patents
* colour shows the number of active individual patents granted in that market; the darker the colour, the
more patents granted
Base: currently active individual patent grants per country (EPO: European Patent Office)
Nestlé is the company with the largest patent portfolio
Number of active* patent families
Top 10 organisations with active* maternal nutrition** patent families globally
Active patent families
* active patent families refers to currently granted or pending patents; ** food formulations supporting good
health in women during pregnancy or postpartum and also during the lactation period
12

Develop probiotic and prebiotic formulations
• Probiotic is defined as 'live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate
amounts, confer a health benefit on the host'.
• Prebiotic is defined as 'a substrate that is selectively utilised by host
microorganisms conferring a health benefit'.
Additional research is required to assess the safety and efficacy of prebiotic
supplements during pregnancy. No evidence was found to suggest that taking
probiotics during pregnancy either increases or decreases the risk of preterm birth
or other infant and maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes.
PROBIOTIC
PRENATAL
SUPPLEMENTS
XX%
of Chinese pregnant
mums have taken
probiotic supplements
for pregnancy in the
first trimester (1-3
months)
Talk to mothers about gut health nutrition,
to support their own and establish their
unborn child's microbiota
Patent activity shows a drive towards mimicking the maternal microbiota,
the collective microorganisms in the mother's body (at sites such as the
gut or breastmilk).
Further research will improve our understanding of the infant and
maternal microbiome, helping to support the delivery of nutritional
solutions linked to a healthy maternal and infant microbiome.
Microbiota from various maternal sites (such as the gut or breastmilk) are
thought to influence the baby's microbiome; however, emerging research
suggests that these microbiome sites may influence the baby's
microbiome prior to birth, impacting the unborn baby's immune
development.
In this way, there is a growing consensus among healthcare
professionals that the gut microbiota during pregnancy is a critical
determinant of infant health.
months and have taken health supplements during pregnancy
13

Maternal nutrition launches contain probiotics and prebiotics to
support the health of mum and baby
Fibre for digestive system
Mommy's Bliss Prenatal Regularity Support Dietary Supplement
Gummies is vegan-friendly and natural, with orange and berry flavour
prebiotic fibre, to regulate the digestive system before, during and after
pregnancy (US).
Supporting a healthy intestinal microbiome
Life-Space Pregnancy Probiotic Dietary Supplement is described as a
premium probiotic formula that contains 15 strains of beneficial bacteria
to support everyday wellbeing and assist in maintaining a healthy
digestive flora (US).
Feel fuller for longer
The Healthy Mummy Vanilla Flavoured Tummy Smoothie is a 'delicious
and nutritious' meal replacement smoothie containing collagen,
probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes that support weight loss
(Australia).
14

Patents explore ingredients that support the gut microbiome of
pregnant females and their baby
Water-soluble non-digestible saccharides
A granted patent by Groupe Danone discloses water-soluble non-digestible saccharides
(galactooligosaccharide and inulin) to be used to improve the immune system of pregnant women and
unborn infants.
Non-digestible saccharides increase the percentage of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the gut microflora
of pregnant women and improve inoculation of the intestine of the infant with lactobacilli and/or
bifidobacteria during birth and during colonisation post-birth.
Myo-inositol and probiotics
Nestlé’s granted patent, for mothers, comprises myo-inositol and probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus
CGMCC 1.3724 and Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM 1.3446) for synergistic and preventive effects against
gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
The milk powder drink reduces excess fat storage and increases lean muscle mass in pregnant women or
those desiring to become pregnant, which helps to prevents GDM and associated conditions (eg preterm
and cesarean delivery, macrosomia, high blood glucose, excess weight and other metabolic disorders).
Source: Cipher/Mintel
Once Daily Prenatal
Probiotic Supplement
supports women's gut
health
Probiotics focus on protein absorption and
availability for those with increased protein
requirements, such as pregnant females
Sofar S.P.A have a pending patent comprising one or more probiotic
ingredients (Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM 1-1572 and/or Lactobacillus
paracasei LPC-S01), to increase protein absorption and bioavailability in
individuals with increased protein requirements (eg elderly persons,
children, pregnant women, or athletes), when taken with proteins (soy
proteins, pea proteins, rice proteins and caseinate or milk serum protein,
preferably calcium caseinate protein).
Administration of these probiotics showed increased proteolytic activity
(the breakdown of proteins into peptides/amino acids) compared to the
action of digestive enzymes alone, increasing amino acid absorption and
bioavailability. Once absorbed, amino acids can be used for vital
processes such as immune response, synthesis of hormone and
vitamins, and transmission of nerve impulse, among many others.
15

Focus on natural ingredients like botanicals
The relevance of botanicals (and other natural ingredients, such as those linked to
traditional medicine systems) throughout the maternal period varies according to
the traditions of different geographies. Pregnancy-focused studies have linked
botanicals with various areas of maternal health, including nausea and vomiting.
However, botanicals should be used with caution through the maternal period and
only when safety (such as side-effects) and efficacy have been proven.
Natural ingredients are key to consumers when choosing
supplements for pregnancy
China: important product features or functions when choosing vitamin for pregnancy, 2019
months and have taken vitamin for pregnancy
16

Botanicals deliver health benefits for maternal nutrition, with a
natural image
Natural boost for breast milk supply
Naked Harvest Vanilla Malt Flavour Mylk Shake is formulated with
essential vitamins, protein, fibre, superfoods and unique herbs. It
provides nutrition to naturally boost the milk supply of breastfeeding
mothers (Australia).
Plant extracts and concentrated fruit juices
Salus Floravital Iron and Plants Dietary Supplement. Hibiscus,
chamomile, fennel, spinach, grape, pear, current, cherry, blackberry
and carrot juice and rose hip extract are beneficial for pregnant and
lactating women (France).
Naturally sourced
AndMe Caramel Flavoured Lactation Booster Drink Mix is made with
fenugreek extract and vitamin B12 for better breast milk, iron for
infant growth, moringa and vitamin D for postpartum weight and
vitamin B6 and turmeric for postpartum anxiety and stress (India).
17

Patents focus on ingredients found naturally in breast milk and in
plants
Sialic acid supplementation
Royal DSM NV’s granted patent claims a maternal composition comprising sialic acid, particularly n-
acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), extracted from mammalian milk, administered to the female during
preconception, pregnancy or lactation.
The product results in health improvements and developmental benefits (nervous system, neurological
development and brain growth) for the baby. It provides significant developmental benefits, such as
increased neurite extension in the hippocampus and myelin basic protein expression in the baby's brain.
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) from fibers
A granted patent by Nestlé discloses short chain fatty acids (acetate or propionate), synthesised from
fermentable fibers (inulin), to be used by pregnant or lactating women to protect against trans epidermal
water loss (TEWL) associated disorders (eg eczema) and enhance skin barrier functions in babies and
breastfed infants.
This reconstituted powdered nutritional supplement significantly reduces TEWL in the baby when
administered to pregnant subjects. Hence this maternal composition effectively prevents dehydration in
offspring.
Patents link herbal extract consumption with a healthy
pregnancy
Decanoic acid extracts
Korea University’s granted patent discloses decanoic acid extracted from coconut or palm oil, used to
treat gestational trophoblastic diseases (choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole and villous adenoma) in early
pregnancy.
This food composition inhibits the proliferation, excessive permeability and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT
and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway in human transfected trophoblast HTR8/SVneo cells, preventing the
abnormal development of trophoblastic cells, thereby used to treat gestational trophoblastic diseases in
pregnant mothers.
Nutritional herbal composition
A granted patent, by Laboratoires France Bébé Nutrition, invented a nutritional composition for pregnant
women comprising (artichoke extract, ginger powder, vitamin B6, B9, D, iodine, magnesium, iron, fat
(omega 3 fatty acid), protein (milk and cereals) and carbohydrates), used to meet the increased nutritional
requirements of women and the fetus and also to relieve nausea.
This composition has been formulated as a cereals-based biscuit, claiming to be easier to ingest
compared to tablets.
18

Focus on maternal nutrition for metabolic health
Metabolic syndrome is the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood
pressure (hypertension) and obesity.
In pregnancy, a key area of metabolic health is the risk of elevated blood glucose
due to the risk of gestational diabetes. Innovations in food, drink, vitamin and
dietary supplement products may support gestational diabetes prevention by
focusing on weight management, for example.
Few maternal nutrition launches currently emphasise attributes
linked to metabolic health, such as weight management
10 nutrients for breast-feeding women
Nutricia Nutrimama Cranberry & Raspberry Flavoured Cereal Bar
contains DHA omega-3 fatty acid for baby's brain and sight
development and iodine, biotin and vitamin B1 for energy metabolism
(Czech Republic).
Juice for pregnant and nursing mothers
Rossmann Mamas Babydream Nursing Juice with Red Fruits contains
folic acid for womb growth, iron to support normal blood formation, zinc
for normal hair and nails and vitamin C and B6 for immunity and energy
metabolism (Germany).
Gummies support metabolism
Olly Prenatal Sweet Citrus Flavored Gummies contain DHA and folic
acid to support normal early fetal development (brain and spinal cord)
and to maintain normal metabolism of iron (Canada).
19

Patents support and improve the metabolic health of pregnant
females
Myo-inositol and probiotics
Nestlé’s granted patent composition comprises myo-inositol and probiotic ingredients (Lactobacillus
rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis) for the prevention of excess body weight in infants and to increase
the lean mass of infants.
The combination of myo-inositol and probiotic ingredients (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium
lactis) reduced the body weight and increased the lean mass in infants.
The product is formulated as milk powder drink for pregnant women, delivered to the infant via breast milk
and directly to the infant after birth.
Catechin metabolite
A granted patent by Nestlé, comprising 3′-O-methyl-4′-O-sulfate epicatechin as an active ingredient,
controls high blood pressure (eg in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus).
The ingredient supports a healthy blood pressure, stimulates protein synthesis and improves blood
circulation (blood-brain), growth factor release, immune function, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and
cognitive function. It helps to treat hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
GESTATIONAL
DIABETES
6%
of US female
consumers have been
diagnosed with
gestational diabetes
Patents link isomers of inositol with
gestational diabetes support and prevention
A pending patent by Nestlé claims a combination of scyllo-inositol and
myo-inositol for use during pregnancy to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus
and gestational diabetes mellitus.
This nutritional supplement powder effected increased glucose tolerance
in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The nutritional supplement powder can be
combined with probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium
lactis) as a kit comprising a sachet of the probiotic ingredients with the
inositol ingredients.
Base: US: 1,037 internet users aged 18+
Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, May 2018
20

THE IMPLICATION
21

Prioritise the gut microbiome, natural ingredients and metabolic
health to help the wellbeing of mums and infants
Food and nutrition solutions that support the health of women and their infants throughout the maternal
period can thrive, given parents' interest in supporting and protecting their babies' health.
Focusing on ingredients that nurture a healthy gut microbiome in mum and baby, on the health benefits of
natural ingredients like botanicals or ingredients from breast milk and on metabolic health issues such as
gestational diabetes, are opportunities.
Patent activity confirms an increase in filing activity related to maternal nutrition, such as new probiotic and
prebiotic ingredients and natural ingredients that support health during the maternal period.
22

APPENDIX
23

Research methodology
Patent analysis methodology
The patent analysis contained within this report is based on Mintel's partnership with Cipher, the world's
most sophisticated patent analysis system; it uses artificial intelligence to analyse global patents and
classify them under specified topics. Having designed the topic of classification, Mintel's expert team of
global analysts have then analysed the output from Cipher, assessing the key patents of interest and the
trends they represent, identifying the implications using our in-depth understanding of consumer and
industry trends.
Consumer research methodology
Mintel continuously commissions consumer research across the globe for its syndicated research
solutions. Research is carried out by a variety of research providers as detailed in the sources.
Innovation tracking methodology
Via a network of shoppers across 86 countries, Mintel's Global New Product Database tracks new product
launches in the food, drink, beauty and personal care, health and hygiene, homecare and pet markets.
Patent examples in the area of maternal nutrition
Patent number Owners Title
US9872869B2
Groupe
Danone
Use of non-digestible saccharides
administered to a pregnant woman for giving
an infant the best start after birth
WO2016020495A1
Nestle
S.A.
Myo-Inositol and one or more probiotic ad use
thereof
US20190192590A1
Sofar
S.P.A.
Use of probiotics for improving protein
absorption
US8703716B2
Royal
DSM NV
Maternal sialic acid supplementation
US10751308B2
Nestle
S.A.
Composition for preventing or reducing
transepidermal water loss
KR102138840B1
Korea
University
Pharmaceutical composition for preventing or
treating gestational trophoblastic disease
comprising decanoic acid
24

Patent examples in the area of maternal nutrition
Patent number Owners Title
EP2705761B1
Laboratoires
France Bebe
Nutrition
Nutritional composition for pregnant women
EP3177154B1 Nestle S.A.
Myo-Inositol and probiotics and their use to
prevent excess body weight in infants
US20210196671A1 Nestle S.A.
Compositions comprising 3'-O-methyl-4'-O-
sulfate epicatechin and therapeutic uses of
such compositions
US20210236528A1 Nestle S.A.
Composition comprising isomers of inositol
and its use
Shape your future with Mintel bespoke patent analysis
Through Mintel's partnership with Cipher, the world's most sophisticated patent analysis system, we can
delve much deeper into the patent landscape for you. This includes: identifying what your specific
competitors are working on; uncovering new technologies, ingredients and manufacturing processes to
support your R&D activity or looking at emerging hot spots of activity across the world within your sector to
predict future trends and opportunities.
To have a confidential chat, or to hear more about our custom capabilities in patent analysis please
contact:
Americas: us_consulting@groups.mintel.com
APAC: consultingapac@mintel.com
EMEA: consultingemea@mintel.com
25

Meet the expert
Parimaladevi Palanisamy
Patent Analyst - Food & Drink / Beauty & Personal Care
Pari has expertise in patent searching and analysis. In her 6 years
experience as a patent analyst, she has supported a number of clients in
pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors especially. She is skilled in
delivering patent searches, portfolio and landscape analysis, tracking
patent technology trends, and identifying emerging innovation.
Read more by this expert | Get in touch
26

Disclaimer
This is marketing intelligence published by Mintel.
The consumer research exclusively commissioned
by Mintel was conducted by a Chinese licensed
market survey agent (see Research Methodology
China for more information).
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