Although previously considered sterile, it is now known that breast milk contains a complex microbial community crucial for the formation and maturation of the infant intestinal microbiota by improving digestive and absorption functions and modulating the immune response by inducing immunotolerance towards the microbiota itself and food antigens (and not only), thus decreasing the risk of autoimmune diseases. It can be hypothesized that the strains isolated from breast milk are particularly suitable as potential physiological probiotics since they have constitutive immuno-modulation potential.

From these premises, Natival srl was born, an innovative start-up founded in 2022 with the mission of isolating and characterizing microorganisms eligible as probiotics derived from donated human breast milk from young voluntary women from Molise region apparently in good health. The characterization of these strains, probiotic candidates, not only includes health potential but also involves assessing the safety and functionality requirements required by WHO, FAO, and EFSA, as well as the current legislation in Europe to be used in commercial formulations.