Human breast milk contains numerous biomolecules.
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant component of
breast milk, after
lactose and
lipids. Amongst the synthetized HMOs, 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) are widely studied and are considered safe for
infant nutrition. Several studies have reported the
health benefits of HMOs, which include modulation of the
intestinal microbiota, anti-
adhesive effect against pathogens, modulation of the intestinal
epithelial cell response, and development of the
immune system. The amount and diversity of HMOs are determined by the
genetic background of the
mothers (
HMO secretors or non-secretors). The non-secretor
mothers secrete lower HMOs than secretor
mothers. The
breastfed infants of secretor
mothers gain more
health benefit than those of non-secretor
mothers. In conclusion, supplementation of
infant formula with 2′-FL and LNnT is a promising innovation for
infant nutrition.