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Human Milk Oligosaccharides Influence Neonatal Mucosal and Systemic Immunity
Sharon M Donovan1, Sarah S Comstock
1Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are crucial for infant immune development, offering protection and promoting gut health. Adding specific HMOs to infant formula is a step towards mimicking breast milk
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infant immune systems are immature at birth.
- Human milk contains bioactive components that support neonatal development.
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are key players in immune system maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of HMOs in neonatal gastrointestinal and systemic immune development.
- To highlight the unique composition and function of HMOs in human milk compared to other species.
- To discuss the implications of adding specific HMOs to infant formula.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on HMO structure and function.
- Analysis of comparative oligosaccharide composition across species.
- Examination of studies on the effects of specific HMOs (2'-FL, LNnT) in infant formula.
Main Results:
- Human milk has higher concentrations and greater diversity of HMOs than bovine milk.
- Specific HMOs protect against infections, shape gut microbiota, and promote immune maturation.
- Commercial availability of HMOs has advanced understanding of their functions.
Conclusions:
- HMOs exert diverse protective and developmental effects through carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions.
- Adding 2'-FL and LNnT to infant formula is a preliminary step in replicating human milk benefits.
- Further research and commercialization of HMOs are expected to enhance infant formula composition.
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