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Fructooligosaccharides: From Breast Milk Components to Potential Supplements. A Systematic Review
Valentina De Cosmi1, Alessandra Mazzocchi2, Carlo Agostoni3
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
|September 23, 2021
Summary
Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) in breast milk are vital for infant gut development. Adding FOSs to infant formula is safe and may offer immune benefits, though more human data is needed.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for infants.
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are key components influencing infant gut microbiota development.
- 2'-fucosyllactose, a specific FOS, is considered for infant formula and nutraceutical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing information on fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) in human milk.
- To discuss the potential future applications of FOSs in infant nutrition.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of FOSs in infant formula.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases up to May 2021.
- Inclusion criteria focused on FOS concentrations in human milk and infant studies.
- Exclusion of animal studies, adult-only studies, and reviews.
Main Results:
- Ten studies were included in the systematic review.
- Human milk FOSs play a crucial role in infant gut development.
- Addition of FOSs to infant formula is safe and well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are essential for infant gut health.
- Supplementation with FOSs in infant formula may provide immune benefits to newborns.
- Further human studies are required, and caution is advised against premature commercialization for adults.
