How your first 1000 days shape the rest of your life

Our stories

You won’t remember it, but one of the most important periods of your life already happened long ago.

In the first 1,000 days - from conception to your second birthday - the quiet work of building your future was already underway.

Think of it like laying the foundation for a skyscraper: the stronger the base, the more resilient the structure. During this time, the foundations of lifelong health start being laid, all while you’re learning to say your first words and take your first steps.

It’s a critical window: challenges are great, but so is the power to protect and nurture. Every parent dreams of giving their child the best start, and at dsm-firmenich, we work hard to make that dream a reality.

The best start in life for all infants? We’ve got you.

Good maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. It not only supports the mother’s health, but also nurtures the developing baby, reducing pregnancy-related risks and complications, such as preterm birth and neural tube defects. Good infant nutrition fuels growth and development; for example, fostering a strong immune system and supporting emotional and cognitive well-being throughout life. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to give children the best chance at a healthy start.

Because here’s the catch: babies depend entirely on their mothers for nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That makes support for mothers - through diet, healthcare, and supplements - essential.

But what about when breastfeeding isn’t possible? Breastfeeding is, of course, the gold standard for infant nutrition, but when that isn’t possible, infant nutrition solutions are the only appropriate alternative.

And sometimes, mothers themselves need a boost: maternal supplements ensure they get the nutrients required to nourish both mother and baby.

That’s where dsm-firmenich comes in.

Meet Kristina: a scientist and a mom

At dsm-firmenich, our people are at the heart of our mission. Step inside our labs, and you’ll see our scientists reimagining what’s possible in early life nutrition.

Meet Kristina, a passionate scientist and mom, who works every day to make infant formula as close as possible to breast milk for babies who can’t be breastfed. From the fermentation house to the lab, Kristina’s dedication helps nurture the next generation.

Alongside Kristina, another team might be testing the stability of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) and ARA (an omega-6) in different formulations, while another develops innovative ways to deliver nutrients like DHA in formats that are simple, effective, and easy to take - especially for pregnant women who may struggle with nausea.

Driving our dedication is recent research indicating that adequate DHA before and during pregnancy can help to reduce the risk of preterm birth - the leading cause of death in children under five worldwide (WHO).

Addressing this starts by making DHA more accessible. Traditionally sourced from fish, we pioneered a biotech route to produce DHA directly from algae, and we are continually working to optimize our process to develop higher-concentration DHA products – making it easier for mothers to reach their target daily DHA intake with smaller serving sizes.

Innovation, inspired by nature

We believe every baby deserves the best start in life. That’s why our commitment to early life nutrition goes beyond DHA and ARA to address other gaps between nature’s gold standard – breast milk – and infant formula.

Moving to another lab at dsm-firmenich, our fermentation experts are perfecting the production of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). Using advanced fermentation techniques, our scientists replicate natural processes of the human body to create HMOs that are structurally identical to those found in breast milk.

Our mission is to replicate functionality of breast milk by delivering science-backed ‘hero ingredients’ that support healthy growth and development, bringing the outcomes of formula-fed infants closer to that of breast-fed infants.

We focus on the nutrients essential for infants to help achieve this goal:

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): The third most abundant solid component in human milk, HMOs help shape a healthy gut microbiome and support immune development. We’re proud to offer the broadest portfolio of HMOs on the market.
life’s™ ARA and life’s® DHA: Sourced from sustainable algal origins, these nutritional lipid omega solutions provide the DHA and ARA babies need for cognitive and visual development - good for babies, and good for the planet.
Through our premix solutions, we deliver essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, at the right quality and quantity to support infant growth and development around the world. We can also cater for babies born with special dietary requirements, such as preterm babies or babies at higher risk for allergies.

These key ingredients are carefully included in infant formula to give babies the healthiest possible start in life.

Beyond supporting babies’ nutrition during the first year of life, our ingredients also play a vital role in optimizing developmental foundations as babies grow to toddlers. They are incorporated into growing-up milks, complementary and weaning foods, and dietary supplements - helping to support healthy development at every stage.

And because sustainability and innovation are at the heart of what we do, our scientists are constantly exploring new formats, greener solutions and reimaging what is possible, to ensure we’re protecting the planet while nourishing the next generation.

Shaping the future of early life nutrition

The first 1,000 days are just the beginning, but they can also be the blueprint for lifelong health. Every choice, every nutrient, every moment of care can have a lasting impact, in this critical window and beyond.

At dsm-firmenich, we are committed to delivering proven benefits today, while developing solutions for the next generation. By combining science, innovation, and sustainability, we help ensure that every baby has the best possible start – and that every parent has the support they need to make it happen.

Want to learn more about early life nutrition at dsm-firmenich? Check out our pages on Early Life Nutrition, Infant Nutrition and Synbiotics

Learn more about how bacteria can be good for babies, here.