Human Milk Oligosaccharides, Growth, and Body Composition in Very Preterm Infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Pediatric growth studies
• Human milk oligosaccharide research

Background:

• Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are crucial bioactive components in breast milk, known for their benefits to infant health.
• The impact of HMOs on the growth and development of very preterm infants (<32 weeks' gestation) remains largely uncharacterized.
• Understanding HMOs' role is vital for optimizing nutritional strategies in vulnerable neonatal populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify HMO concentrations in human milk provided to very preterm infants during hospitalization.
• To investigate the association between HMO exposure and infant size and body composition at term-equivalent age.
• To determine if higher HMO intake influences growth outcomes in very preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of HMO concentrations in human milk from 82 very preterm infants at two time points.
• Assessment of infant anthropometrics and body composition using air displacement plethysmography at term-equivalent age.
• Statistical analysis using linear mixed effects models to compare growth outcomes across HMO concentration tertiles, adjusted for confounders.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between higher HMO concentrations and anthropometric or body composition z-scores at term-corrected age.
• An association between intermediate 3-fucosyllactose (3FL) tertile exposure and a greater head circumference z-score was observed (0.61, 95% CI 0.15, 1.07).
• Overall, the study did not support the hypothesis that higher HMO intakes promote growth in this cohort of very preterm infants.

Conclusions:

• Higher concentrations of human milk oligosaccharides in the diet of very preterm infants were not associated with improved anthropometric or body composition outcomes.
• While a specific HMO (3FL) showed a potential association with head circumference, overall HMO intake did not significantly influence growth parameters.
• Further research may be needed to explore the specific roles of individual HMOs and their complex interactions with infant growth in the preterm population.