Extensive studies have shown that
breast milk is the best source of
nutrition for
infants, especially during the first six months, because it fulfills almost all of their nutritional
needs. Among the many functional building blocks in
breast milk,
human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been receiving more
attention recently. Furthermore, it is the third most common group of compounds in
human milk, and studies have demonstrated the
health benefits it provides for
infants, including improved
nutritional status. HMOs were previously known as the ‘bifidus factor’ due to their ‘bifidogenic’ or
prebiotic effects, which enabled the nourishment of the
gastrointestinal microbiota. Healthy
gastrointestinal microbiota are intestinal
health substrates that increase
nutrient absorption and reduce the
incidence of
diarrhea. In addition, HMOs, directly and indirectly, protect
infants against
infections and strengthen their
immune system, leading to a positive energy balance and promoting normal
growth. Non-modifiable factors, such as
genetics, and modifiable factors (e.g.,
maternal health,
diet,
nutritional status,
environment) can influence the
HMO profile. This
review provides an overview of the current
understanding of how HMOs can contribute to the prevention and
treatment of nutritional issues during
exclusive breastfeeding.