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Writer's pictureJulia Haimovich

The Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in Gut Health and Overall Wellbeing



The Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in Gut Health and Overall Wellbeing

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates unique to human milk, playing a crucial role in the health and development of infants. Recent studies have shed light on their significant impact on gut health, particularly through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the gut microbiota. This article delves into the latest evidence on HMOs and SCFAs, highlighting their importance in promoting gut health and overall wellbeing.

HMOs are the third largest solid component in human milk after lactose and fat, comprising over 200 different types.1 They are not digestible by the infant but serve as prebiotics, selectively promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.2 The structure of HMOs, which includes neutral and acidic oligosaccharides, determines their specific functions and benefits.

Recent research has emphasised the role of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, propionate, and acetate, produced by the fermentation of HMOs by gut bacteria. SCFAs play a vital role in maintaining gut health by serving as an energy source for colonocytes, regulating the immune system, and maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier.3 Butyrate, in particular, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and supports the growth and repair of gut epithelium. 4

Studies have demonstrated that 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), predominant HMOs in breast milk, are associated with the production of SCFAs. 5 These HMOs are linked to improved gut health by reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria and enhancing the colonisation of beneficial microbes, thereby lowering the risk of infections and promoting gut maturation. 6

Interestingly, the composition of HMOs in breast milk varies among individuals, influenced by factors such as genetics and diet. For instance, secretor status, determined by the FUT2 gene, affects the presence of certain HMOs like 2'FL. 5 Additionally, parity and diet can influence HMO composition, with studies showing higher HMO levels in multiparous women. 7

The impact of maternal diet on HMO composition is an area of ongoing research. A study by McGuire et al. (2017) found no significant correlation between individual nutrients and HMO levels, suggesting that HMO composition is more influenced by genetic factors than diet. 8 However, there is evidence that specific dietary patterns may have some effect, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

In terms of clinical implications, HMOs have been shown to support the immune system beyond infancy. Research indicates that HMOs can help in reducing the severity of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and may have long-lasting effects on immune function. 9 Moreover, HMOs and their metabolites like SCFAs are being explored for their potential benefits in treating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).10

In summary, HMOs are crucial for infant gut health, primarily through their fermentation into beneficial SCFAs by gut bacteria. These compounds support gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of beneficial microbes. As research progresses, the potential therapeutic applications of HMOs and SCFAs continue to expand, offering promising avenues for improving gut health and overall wellbeing in both infants and adults.

References:

1.     Bode, L. (2012). Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama. Glycobiology, 22(9), pp.1147-1162.

2.     Marcobal, A., Barboza, M., Froehlich, J.W., Block, D.E., German, J.B., Lebrilla, C.B. and Mills, D.A. (2010). Consumption of human milk oligosaccharides by gut-related microbes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(9), pp.5334-5340.

3.     Koh, A., De Vadder, F., Kovatcheva-Datchary, P. and Bäckhed, F. (2016). From dietary fiber to host physiology: short-chain fatty acids as key bacterial metabolites. Cell, 165(6), pp.1332-1345.

4.     Hamer, H.M., Jonkers, D., Venema, K., Vanhoutvin, S., Troost, F.J. and Brummer, R.J. (2008). Review article: the role of butyrate on colonic function. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 27(2), pp.104-119.

5.     Goehring, K.C., Kennedy, A.D., Prieto, P.A. and Buck, R.H. (2014). Direct evidence for the presence of human milk oligosaccharides in the circulation of breastfed infants. PLOS ONE, 9(7), p.e101692.

6.     Kumar, H., du Toit, E., Kulkarni, A., Aakko, J., Linderborg, K.M., Zhang, Y., Nicol, M.P., Isolauri, E., Yang, B. and Salminen, S. (2015). Distinct patterns in human milk microbiota and fatty acid profiles across specific geographic locations. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, p.485.

7.     De Leoz, M. L., Kalanetra, K. M., Bokulich, N. A., Strum, J. S., Underwood, M. A., German, J. B., Mills, D. A., & Lebrilla, C. B. (2015). Human milk glycomics and gut microbial genomics in infant feces show a correlation between human milk oligosaccharides and gut microbiota: a proof-of-concept study. Journal of proteome research, 14(1), 491–502. https://doi.org/10.1021/pr500759e

8.     McGuire, M.K., Meehan, C.L., McGuire, M.A., Williams, J.E., Foster, J., Sellen, D.W., Kamau-Mbuthia, E.W., Kamundia, E.W., Mbugua, S., Moore, S.E. and Prentice, A.M. (2017). What's normal? Oligosaccharide concentrations and profiles in milk produced by healthy women vary geographically. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(5), pp.1086-1100.

9.     Ruiz-Palacios, G.M., Cervantes, L.E., Ramos, P., Chavez-Munguia, B. and Newburg, D.S. (2014). Campylobacter jejuni binds intestinal H (O) antigen (Fucα1, 2Galβ1, 4GlcNAc), and fucosyloligosaccharides of human milk inhibit its binding and infection. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 278(16), pp.14112-14120.

10.  Liu, C., Wang, X., Yang, Y., Zhang, Z., Li, Z., Sun, X. and Sun, X. (2021). The role of short-chain fatty acids in intestinal barrier function, inflammation, oxidative stress, and colonic carcinogenesis. Pharmacological Research, 165, p.105420.

 

 

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