So much better together: Pre- and probiotics to support infant gut microbiome and immune maturation

The gut microbiome and immune system develops in early life, and in this window, gut maturation and trajectory is key in laying the foundation for health in later life. In this regard, human milk and human milk oligosaccharides are critical. Some Bifidobacterium species, especially B. infantis, are especially equipped to utilize HMOs and help to balance the immune system, thus HMOs and B. infantis can work together and potentiate each other’s beneficial effects. This unique relationship emphasizes the significance of breastfeeding and the importance of age-specific microbial strains in infant gut health.