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Food-derived oligosaccharides exhibit pharmaceutical properties
Anneke Rijnierse1, Prescilla V Jeurink, Betty C A M van Esch
1Department of Immunology, Danone Research-Centre for Specialised Nutrition, Wageningen, The Netherlands. anneke.rijnierse@danone.com
European Journal of Pharmacology
|August 4, 2011
Summary
Human milk oligosaccharides offer nutritional benefits for infant growth and development. These compounds also show promising direct effects on the infant immune system, warranting further study.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Breastfeeding provides optimal infant nutrition.
- Human milk contains unique components like oligosaccharides.
- Oligosaccharides are known to modulate gut microbiota and emerging evidence suggests immune effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmaceutical properties of food-borne oligosaccharides.
- To summarize the benefits of oligosaccharides for infant health and immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on oligosaccharides.
- Analysis of research on oligosaccharide effects on infant gut bacteria and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Oligosaccharides selectively promote beneficial gut bacteria.
- Evidence indicates direct immunomodulatory effects of oligosaccharides.
- Food-derived oligosaccharides are used as supplements for health benefits.
Conclusions:
- Oligosaccharides are crucial components of early life nutrition.
- These compounds possess significant pharmaceutical properties impacting infant immunity.
- Further research into food-borne oligosaccharides is essential for optimizing infant health.
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