Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO)

Possible HMO Benefits

SUGGESTED HMO EFFECTS, but more studies warranted ^[2]:

• HMO may reduce the attachment of bacteria in the throat, esophagus and small intestine and thus help to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections ^[2].
• HMO is absorbed partly intact and excreted in the urine, and may be protective against urinary tract infections ^[1].
• HMO may help to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)–a severe inflammation of the intestine–in sick infants, especially premature infants  ^[5].

HMO is PROBABLY NOT EFFECTIVE as a prebiotic (a substance that promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria) ^[3,4].

Related Nutrients

• Oligosaccharides
• Dietary fiber