HMOs for a healthier future, from infancy to adulthood

Main image: Backed by science and inspired by nature, HMOs support digestive balance, immune strength andeveryday vitality for the whole family.

HMOs are the third most abundant solid component in breast milk after lactose and lipids. They are a group of complex functional fibres that are found in a large diversity in mothers’ milk. Despite not being a direct source of nutrition, they play a vital role in establishing a healthy gut environment by acting as prebiotic substances that feed beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria.

They also impact an infant’s brain development and strengthen the immune system. Over 200 types of HMOs have been identified, with 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) being the most abundant. Some HMOs also function as decoys, preventing harmful pathogens from attaching to intestinal cells and thereby reducing infections. The same health benefits observed in babies are also translated in adults, offering promising health applications in dietary supplements and functional foods.

Studies show that adding HMOs, such as 2’-FL, to infant formula helps support a gut microbiome that more closely resembles that of breastfed infants. This, in turn, could lead to improved immune function, with fewer cases of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections reported in infants consuming HMO-enriched formula.

There is also evidence suggesting HMOs may support brain development and cognitive function, although more research is needed in this area.

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While HMOs were initially studied in the context of infant nutrition, similar health benefits are also observed in adults.

In adults, HMOs have been shown to help maintain a healthy gut barrier, which can be compromised in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ‘leaky gut’. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially benefiting those with autoimmune conditions or perhaps chronic inflammation.

Beyond gut health, HMOs may support the gut-brain axis – a communication network between the gut and the brain. Some studies suggest that by improving gut health, HMOs might influence mood, stress response and cognitive function.

HMOs are generally recognised as being safe and effective at low doses. They promise a healthier future, not just in infants but also as a functional ingredient for adults. Inbiose is leading the way in making HMOs available to everyone. The company is a biotechnology innovator specialising in the scalable, cost-effective production of HMOs. Using advanced precision fermentation processes, Inbiose can manufacture HMOs at a fraction of traditional costs, making them more accessible for widespread use in both infant nutrition and adult health products.

In addition to producing well-known HMOs such as 2’-FL, Inbiose is developing a unique pipeline of novel HMOs with targeted health benefits, expanding the therapeutic potential of these powerful compounds across different age groups and health needs.

HMOs represent a fascinating convergence of nature and science. Initially recognised for their critical role in infant development, they are now being embraced as powerful tools for enhancing health at all ages.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) may soon become a cornerstone of both early-life nutrition and adult wellness strategies, offering a natural way to support immunity, digestion and overall wellbeing throughout life. Inbiose is one of the front-runners in making HMOs accessible to everyone.