What factors affect the HMO composition in human milk?

1 min read / 01.01.2015

Nutrition & Disease Management

Stage of lactation: Levels of total HMOs are higher during the early stages of lactation and that of most of them, including 2’FL and LNnT decrease over the course of lactation
Mother’s genetic profile: for e.g., the milk of secretor positive mothers contains high levels of total HMOs, especially 2’FL and other fucosylated HMOs
Environmental factors: Major seasonal changes can result in different diet and nutritional status of the breastfeeding mother, which can influence the amount of human milk produced as well as the concentration of HMOs in it
Maternal body weight: Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy may influence the levels of some HMOs, although the effect is minimal