Brief introduction
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component in human milk, following lactose and fats. HMOs are complex carbohydrates composed of 3 to 10 monosaccharide units, including glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid. The concentration of HMOs in human milk ranges from 5 to 20 g/L, making them a crucial component of early infant nutrition.
The following Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been approved for use in food products in the United States and the European Union. They are also the most abundant HMOs in human milk:
Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT)
Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)
2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL)
3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL)
Application
HMOs are essential bioactive components in human milk, offering numerous health benefits such as promoting gut health, enhancing immunity, supporting brain development, reducing inflammation, preventing infections, and potentially fighting cancer. They are widely used in infant formula, functional foods, and medical nutrition.
(1) Promotes Gut Health
HMOs act as prebiotics, selectively promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacteria) and inhibiting the colonization of pathogens, thereby maintaining gut microbiota balance.
(2) Enhances Immune System
HMOs prevent pathogen infections by competing with pathogens for binding sites on gut cell surfaces. They also modulate immune cell functions and enhance immune responses.
(3) Supports Brain Development
Sialic acid-containing HMOs (e.g., 3'-SL and 6'-SL) are involved in neuronal formation and synaptic plasticity, playing a critical role in infant brain development.
(4) Anti-inflammatory Effects
HMOs reduce intestinal inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
(5) Prevents Infections
HMOs reduce the risk of infections by preventing pathogens (e.g., bacteria and viruses) from binding to host cells.
(6) Potential Anti-cancer Effects
Studies suggest that HMOs may have anti-cancer effects by modulating immune responses and inhibiting tumor cell growth.
References