Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): Unlocking Health Benefits for All Ages

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a class of prebiotics that feed and boost beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia that in turn produce beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Beneficial impact of HMOs on adult health

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been studied for their potential benefits to adult health, including their impact on gut health, immune function, cognitive functions, protection against pathogens, metabolic health, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Gut Health: Studies have shown that HMOs can beneficially impact the abundance of bifidobacteria in adults, potentially improving gut barrier function and overall gastrointestinal health. [1]

Immune Support: Research suggests that HMOs may support the immune system by functioning as prebiotics, which has a bifidogenic effect on the gut microbiota. This, in turn, could lead to the prevention of various allergies and possibly reduce the severity of infections. [2]

Cognitive Functions: The consumption of HMOs might play a role in brain health and cognitive functions through the gut-brain axis. This is suggested by the bifidogenic activity of HMOs and their capacity to modulate immune function and the gut barrier. [3]

Protection Against Pathogens: HMOs are shown to inhibit the adhesion of pathogens to the gut lining, thus potentially reducing the infectivity of human rotaviruses and the risk of gastrointestinal infections. [4]

Metabolic Health: The modulation of gut microbiota by HMOs may have downstream effects on metabolism and could support weight management, although specific studies in this area were not highlighted in the current search results.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some studies suggest that HMOs have anti-inflammatory effects, which could have systemic benefits. However, specific papers detailing these effects in adults were not identified in the search results.

The current research supports the potential of HMOs to provide various health benefits in adults, particularly in gut health, immune support, and protection against pathogens.

LayerOrigin® is a scientist-led brand that specialises in Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs).

References

1. Iribarren et al., 2020
https://consensus.app/papers/mechanisms-underlying-effects-oligosaccharides-jeurink/395c050f92c050d6977134704770f911/

2. Jeurink et al., 2013
https://consensus.app/papers/mechanisms-underlying-effects-oligosaccharides-jeurink/395c050f92c050d6977134704770f911/

3. Šuligoj et al., 2020
https://consensus.app/papers/effects-human-milk-oligosaccharides-adult-microbiota-%C5%A1uligoj/d1555f44e8cf5ab8b7c195646c037e2b/

4. Laucirica et al., 2017
https://consensus.app/papers/milk-oligosaccharides-inhibit-human-rotavirus-laucirica/2d5c8e5129ff598e8b7ff981264129c5/