What are Milk Oligosaccharides and their benefits?
What are Milk Oligosaccharides and their benefits?
Scientists have recently cracked the code of one of breast milk’s biggest mysteries. They knew about a main ingredient called Milk Oligosaccharides but were puzzled about its purpose. Until now. Research reveals Milk Oligosaccharides help strengthen your baby’s immune system from the start.

Sources
Bode L, Jantscher-Krenn E. Structure-Function Relationships of Human Milk Oligosaccharides1–3. Adv. Nutr. 3: 383S–391S, 2012; doi:10.3945/an.111.001404.
Goehring KC, Marriage BJ, Oliver JS et al. Similar to those who are breastfed, infants fed a formula containing 2’-Fucosyllactose have lower inflammatory cytokines in a randomized controlled trial. J Nutr 2016; 146(12):2559-66.
Jantscher-Krenn E, Bode L, Human milk oligosaccharides and their potential benefits for the breast-fed neonate. Minerva Pediatr 2012;64:83-99.
Lin AE, Autran CA, Szyszka A et al. Human milk oligosaccharides inhibit growth of group B Streptococcus. J Biol Chem 2017; 292(27):11243-11249.
Puccio G, Alliet P, Cajozzo C et al. Effects of infant formula with human milk oligosaccharides on growth and morbidity: A randomized multicenter trial. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64(4):624-31.
Smilowitz JT, Lebrilla CB et al. Breast Milk Oligosaccharides: Structure-Function Relationships in the Neonate. Annu Rev Nutr. 2014 ; 34: 143–169. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-071813-105721.
Sprenger N, Odenwald H et al. FUT2‑dependent breast milk oligosaccharides and allergy at 2 and 5 years of age in infants with high hereditary allergy risk. Eur J Nutr (2017) 56:1293–1301 DOI 10.1007/s00394-016-1180-6
Related articles
5 reasons to exercise 30 minutes a day during pregnancy
You’re pregnant so you should rest and avoid exercise, right? Wrong! The common notion that exercise during pregnancy might harm your baby has been discredited.
3 mins to read
36-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
From now until she makes her grand entrance, your baby will continue to grow. She is already 45 cm long and weighs about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
28-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your little one is around 35 cm long from crown to toe and already weights about 1.3 kilos, a third of her birth weight. Her feet measure nearly 6 cm – yes, they are tiny!
2 mins to read
24-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when some women report that this starts to happen, so be on the lookout.
3 mins to read
2'-FL – Natural Guardians of Your Baby’s Development
Your little ones need extra protection in early life as their natural defence systems are not fully developed at birth.
3 mins to read
Going back to work after maternity leave? Keep these 5 things in mind…
For working mums, juggling motherhood and work life may be overwhelming. By planning, practising these tips, and taking a day at a time, you'll be able to manage your day and emotions better.
8 mins to read
6-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments on such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
7-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby is already a pretty impressive 18 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, she’s on the move. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
5-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Though only around the size of a pea, your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. Relatively speaking! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
9-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two hearts beat as one, as the song says. In actual fact, your baby’s heart is beating just fine on its own. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
6 Types of childbirth and how to get yourself ready for it
Learn about the various delivery options for you and your partner to best prepare for the process and to welcome your bundle of joy.
7 mins to read
38-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
39-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You might have felt a few contractions already and were wondering if that was “it”. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the start of labour! Read more about this next to last week.
3 mins to read
29-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
As you inch your way towards the finish line – you will be giving birth in about ten weeks! – your baby is still growing by leaps and bounds, even opening her eyes wide now. Read more about it.
2 mins to read
37-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby tends to keep his head down, arms crossed, and legs folded up on his chest as there’s not much room to move around. He’ll be very glad to get out and stretch!
3 mins to read
18 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Lots of leaps and bounds are happening in week 18, from nerve cells multiplying to the beginnings of fingerprints. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
35 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
In about a month, you’ll be holding that little bundle of joy in your arms. Until then, there’s still lots of polishing and refinement going on inside you. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
25-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. . Read more about how to help feed it.
2 mins to read
15 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Though your baby is planted deep inside you, this is the week where everything gets set up for his sense of smell. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Related products
NAN SUPREMEPRO H.A. 3
NAN OPTIPRO H.A. has been replaced by NAN SUPREMEPRO H.A.3
The latest breakthrough in nutritional science as the first and only with 5-MO Complex™ and SUPREME PROTECTORS* – A premium hypoallergenic growing up formula for toddlers from 1 year old