HMOs: THE ONLY MAJOR PREBIOTICS FOUND IN HUMAN MILK
There are more than 150 HMOs across 3 categories.
The most abundant solid component in breast milk, after lactose and fats
Fats and Lactose in Human Milk Infographic
5 OF THE MOST ABUNDANT HMOs
Within the 3 categories of HMOs, summarized below are 5 of the most abundant HMOs found in human milk. HMOs may support development in ways other prebiotics cannot.1-4
How HMOs Support Digestive Health
Preclinical research suggests that HMOs play complementary roles in the gut because of their unique structures.5,7
How HMOs Support the Immune System
In several cellular culture studies, each HMO acts as a receptor decoy to block specific pathogen adhesion.
Preclinical research also suggests that HMOs may act as immune cell modulators to help balance immune response.5,25,26
How HMOs Support Brain Development
Preclinical research suggests that HMOs may play a beneficial role in the brain through communication via 1) circulation and 2) the vagus nerve.27-39
Pathway 1 Circulation
Fucose, sialic acid, and microbiota-derived metabolites may be absorbed through circulation, where they can travel to the brain to support cognitive development.27-39
Pathway 2 Vagus Nerve
Microbiota-derived metabolites may activate the vagus nerve and thus stimulate the developing brain.32,39
CLINICAL OUTCOMES
Human milk concentrations of 2'-FL and 6'-SL HMO have been associated with measures of improved cognitive outcomes through 24 months of age.40,41
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Each HMO feeds good bacteria in the gut.
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Different HMOs may play different functions via two pathways to the brain.
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Each HMO may play a role in blocking pathogen adhesion.5,8-24,‡
* Nonfucosylated; containing N-acetylglucosamine. Plaza-Díaz J, et al. Nutrients. 2018;10(8):1038.
† Most abundant in most mothers’ milk.
‡ In cellular culture.
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