As more research on microbiomes and their role in our health is uncovered, it is clear that our food is not just essential for our bodies, but also to the bacteria that call our body home. You may have heard about “prebiotics”, nutrients that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Research shows a wide variety of benefits, from promoting healthy gut flora to strengthening the immune system. Today, we want to explore one of the first prebiotics a person may consume: human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).
Human breast milk is tailored to support a newborn’s growth. It contains, in order of abundance: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals – everything a baby needs for healthy and rapid growth. The main carbohydrate is lactose, a simple, easily digestible sugar. But breast milk also contains another type of carbohydrate: human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). These are short-sugar polymers which use lactose as a base.
So far, over 200 structurally distinct HMOs have been identified and primate milk oligosaccharides tend to be relatively more varied compared to other mammals. Which ones are found in breast milk varies between individuals and changes throughout the lactation period, creating an ever-changing oligosaccharide fingerprint unique to each mother.
What makes HMOs particularly fascinating is that they are indigestible for the baby. While the baby grows on a rich diet of lactose, fats and proteins, HMOs feed the baby’s gut bacteria. By promoting the growth of “good” microbes and blocking harmful ones, HMOs help shape the newborn’s microbiome in ways that support:
A stronger immune system
Protection against unwanted bacteria and viruses
The development of cognitive abilities
As scientific understanding grows, so does the recognition of HMOs’ role as critical functional ingredients in early life — laying the foundation for long-term health far beyond infancy.
Among the many identified HMOs, 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) stands out as one of the most abundant. Produced by approximately 80% of breastfeeding women, 2’-FL accounts for a significant portion of the total HMO content in human milk. This molecule plays a leading role in prebiotic function, selectively nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and contributing to immune system development.
At CarbExplore, we’ve developed advanced analytical methods to detect the presence or absence of 2’-FL in breast milk. This allows healthcare professionals and parents to better understand which key oligosaccharides may be missing — and ultimately supports more informed decisions around infant nutrition.
What happens if a person cannot breastfeed their child? For many years, infant formula provided only the essential macronutrients required for growth, without the benefits of HMOs. As a result, babies fed with formula were missing out on these important bioactive compounds that support microbiome development and immune function.
Modern formula manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of HMOs and are working to incorporate them into next-generation formulations. CarbExplore has provided crucial services in investigating infant formula for the composition and concentration of HMOs, aiding manufacturers in creating ever-improving infant formula.
As scientific insight into the microbiome continues to grow, the importance of prebiotic technologies becomes increasingly clear. At CarbExplore, we’re proud to contribute to this field through our cutting-edge analytical and enzymatic platforms, supporting the detection, characterization, and application of one of the very first prebiotics we encounter in life: human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).
Get in touch with our team to explore collaboration opportunities.
