NNIW96: Selected Human Milk Oligosaccharides Added To Infant Formulas For Term Infants

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have no nutritional value but support the infant’s immune system. Human cohort studies have looked at specific HMOs in breast milk and their effect on infections, sepsis, allergies, growth, body composition, neurodevelopment and necrotising enterocolitis. The current interest in HMOs is due to advances in their analysis and progress in biotechnology, plus the independent confirmation of the safety of adding 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) to infant formula. The addition of 2’-FL and LNnt to infant formula leads to reduced lower respiratory infections and bronchitis and a 31% reduction in antibiotic use. A recent study proved that formula with a blend of five HMOs supports age-appropriate growth, is safe and well-tolerated. The structures are 2’-FL, LNT (Lacto-N-tetraose), DFL (di-fucosyllactose), 3’-SL (3’-sialyllactose) and 6’-SL (6’-sialyllactose).