Breast milk provides all the nutrition a baby needs for healthy growth and development.* It contains nutrients, bioactive compounds, and protective factors and adapts to baby’s needs over time. Breast milk contains several unique and protective factors that distinguish it from other types of milk – one of these is Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs).
What Are HMOs?
HMOs are bioactive compounds only found in breast milk and are a more recent discovery in baby nutrition. They are a special type of carbohydrate that offers protective benefits for baby, including supporting their digestive health and developing their immune system. There are over 200 types of HMOs in human milk, with 2'-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) being one of the most abundant.
Why Are HMOs Important for Your Baby?
HMOs can contribute to your baby’s overall health by:
- Promoting Gut Health: HMOs can be a food for the probiotics (beneficial bacteria) present in a baby’s gut microbiota.1 They play an important role in supporting the growth of healthy bacteria in baby’s gut microbiota.
- Supporting the Immune System: HMOs help ‘friendly’ bacteria grow and protecting against ‘unfriendly’ bacteria and viruses.1
Sources of HMOs
- Breast Milk: Contains over 200 different types of HMOs. The most abundant HMO in breast milk is 2’-FL, which has been shown to support digestive health and the developing immune system.1,2
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Infant Formula with 2’-FL: Certain infant formulas, like Good Start® Plus formulas, have added 2’-FL that is structurally identical to the 2’-FL in breast milk.
By supporting digestive and immune health, HMOs can help support your baby’s healthy development. For more information or support, speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about HMOs for your baby.
* All breastfed and partially breastfed infants in Canada should receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 10ug (400 IU).
References:
1. Bode, L. Glycobiology. 2012;22(9):1147-62.
2. Goehring K, et al. PLoS One. 2016;146(12):2559-2566.