Nature was optimizing our microbiome before we even knew we had one. The HMOs in breast milk encourage the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria3 and many more beneficial bacteria. These bacteria then produce beneficial metabolites that support human health4.
Imagine the hidden power inside milk
All mammals produce oligosaccharides in their milk, but none have as much as humans. Cow’s milk, which is used in most infant formulas, has 100-1,000 times less oligosaccharides than human milk1.
Each kind of mammal has a unique profile, but they are based on some common factors. In the case of humans, some of the factors are that our young have an extended nursing period, an immature immune system at birth an undeveloped brain that continues to grow especially the first 18 months2.
Pretty amazing, right?
A prebiotic without compare
A prebiotic without compare
Are you also researching HMOs? We’d like to help.
Starts working before the immune system does
More health benefits of HMOs
HMOs, nature’s preferred prebiotic, support gut health by feeding good bacteria. New research shows they also directly benefit the body. While there’s more to discover, these findings already highlight their powerful role in health.
Immune development and health
HMOs play a role in developing, maturing and balancing the immune system. They can interact directly with immune cells in the gut and systemically support immune signalling7.
Gut development and health
HMOs help develop and maintain a healthy gut barrier by directly interacting with intestinal cells.
They also promote metabolite production like short-chain fatty acids that fuels intestinal cells and supports strong gut conditions10.
Smart choices start with insights
Over 200 HMOs have been identified, and they all fall into one of three categories: fucosylated, neutral non-fucosylated, and sialytated. Each woman has a unique profile that changes over time. But our MyOli® 5HMOMIX™ makes up 30-50% of most women’s profile11.
See what science tells us
Studying HMOs is not for the faint at heart. They represent the beginning of complex processes where it's difficult to determine cause and effect. It requires persistence and the patience to approach multiple tests with slight variation to confirm findings. Here's a brief overview of what our studies have produced this far.
Do you research HMOs, too?
We’ve studied HMOs for over a decade and are always looking to collaborate with experts like the Human Milk Institute at UC San Diego, led by Lars Bode. Watch this webinar to see how our partnership is opening new paths for innovation in human health and development.
Learn more about HMOs
Read our science booklet
Explore Novonesis studies on supplementing with precision fermented HMOs, with summaries and direct links to the full scientific publications.
Hear about our latest research
Join our experts as they discuss recent findings in HMO research and even give a sneak peak to some data not yet published.
What’s on your mind?
Whatever it is, let us know. Together, let’s make nutrition closer to how nature intended it to be. It’s a question of better health.
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Disclaimer
This content is intended exclusively for business-to-business purposes for a professional audience only and is not intended to target consumers.