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Review
. 2019 Jul;22(4):330-340.
doi: 10.5223/pghn.2019.22.4.330. Epub 2019 Jun 25.

The Role of Two Human Milk Oligosaccharides, 2'-Fucosyllactose and Lacto-N-Neotetraose, in Infant Nutrition

Affiliations
Review

The Role of Two Human Milk Oligosaccharides, 2'-Fucosyllactose and Lacto-N-Neotetraose, in Infant Nutrition

Badriul Hegar et al. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2019 Jul.

Abstract

Human breast milk contains numerous biomolecules. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant component of breast milk, after lactose and lipids. Amongst the synthetized HMOs, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) are widely studied and are considered safe for infant nutrition. Several studies have reported the health benefits of HMOs, which include modulation of the intestinal microbiota, anti-adhesive effect against pathogens, modulation of the intestinal epithelial cell response, and development of the immune system. The amount and diversity of HMOs are determined by the genetic background of the mothers (HMO secretors or non-secretors). The non-secretor mothers secrete lower HMOs than secretor mothers. The breastfed infants of secretor mothers gain more health benefit than those of non-secretor mothers. In conclusion, supplementation of infant formula with 2'-FL and LNnT is a promising innovation for infant nutrition.

Keywords: 2′-fucosyllactose; Breast feeding; Human milk; Infant; Lacto-N-neotetraose; Oligosaccharide.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: YV has participated as a clinical investigator, and/or advisory board member, and/or consultant, and/or speaker for Abbott Nutrition, Biocodex, Danone, Nestle Health Science, Nestle Nutrition Institute, Nutricia, Mead Johnson, and United Pharmaceuticals. YW and RB is an employee of the Nestle Nutrition Institute. The other authors report no conflict of interest.

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