Human milk oligosaccharides and their potential benefits for the breast-fed neonate.

摘要: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), unconjugated complex carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human but not infant formula, have recently received much attention due to their potential benefits for the breast-fed neonate. While it is becoming evident HMO structure determines specific function, understanding metabolic fate of ingested key assessing biological roles. Remarkably little known about how, when and where they metabolized. long been regarded as metabolically "inert" host, significant amounts excreted with fe-ces. reach colon intact prebiotic effects promote healthy gut colonization. can also function soluble decoy receptors block adhesion microbial pathogens epithelial surfaces. Local at mucosal lining include differential cell responses or modulation innate immune system. A small percentage believed be absorbed intestine later urine, which opens speculations on possible systemic effects, e.g. system context neuronal development. Oligosaccharides currently added formula structurally different from therefore most likely functionally equivalent. Selected "authentic" might soon become available supplementation additional preclinical clinical studies required demonstrate efficacy. This review provides an overview structural functional properties emphasis recent findings metabolism studies.