HMOs
Babies are born with an immature immune system, so they need a balanced gut microbiome for their immune function and development1. Breastfeeding is crucial for the development of the gut microbiome as breast milk contains many microbes that colonise the baby’s gut1-3. Breast milk also contains unique prebiotics called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) that promote the growth of good bacteria and help fight off bad bacteria3. In this section, learn more about HMOs in our educational webinars delivered by experts in the field. A few examples follow below.
Learn about Human Milk as the First Source of Nutrients with Lindsay Allen or join Dr Gisella Mutungi for a session on HMOs in Early Life Immune Health. She will explain the relevance of HMOs and how they may have a beneficial role in early life immune health.
Alternatively, join Lars Bode who reviews the basic science of HMOs and their effect beyond microbiota, in Human Milk Oligosaccharides as Primers for the Microbiome and Immune System.
Explore HMO biology – Recent Developments with Dr Norbert Sprenger who discusses how the most important determinants for the microbiota development are the initial seeding at birth, mode of delivery, antibiotic use and nutrition. Considering the influence of nutrition in early life microbiome development, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are key nutrients in breast milk which modulates the microbiome. Clinical observational studies with breastfed infants suggest that specific HMOs may help to prevent allergy onset through their action through the early life microbiome. A RCT with formula fed infants suggests that 2’FL and LNnT help to protect from lower respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use, probably thought their effects on the early microbiome maturation and activity.
Unravel the Power of 2'-FL and Bifidus in Gut Health and Beyond with renowned paediatric nutrition expert Professor Yvan Vandenplas who discusses the immuno-protecting role of probiotics, HMOs such as 2'FL.
