The present invention provides a growth promoting composition capable of promoting growth of a microorganism belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium living in the intestine of mammals such as human and the like. According to the present invention, a composition for promoting growth of a microorganism belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium, comprising one or more kinds selected from the group consisting of Lacto-N-tetraose, Lacto-N-neotetraose and derivatives thereof can be provided. The aforementioned growth promoting composition is suitable for promoting growth of the aforementioned microorganism in the intestine by oral administration to, particularly, a human adult.
