HMOs

The third most abundant solid component in human milk, representing a structurally diverse mixture of complex oligosaccharides. As natural prebiotics, selectively promote the proliferation of intestinal Bifidobacteria (particularly Bifidobacterium infantis), establishing healthy intestinal microecology. In functional foods, primarily used in infant formula foods, gut health products, and immune modulation foods. Research demonstrates that formula foods supplemented with HMOs can make infant gut microbiota more similar to breastfed infants, reducing the incidence of respiratory infections and gastrointestinal diseases while supporting immune system development and intestinal barrier function. Currently, specific HMOs such as 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) have been approved for use in infant and adult nutrition products.