Breast milk is our inspiration for nutritional solutions that drive healthy immune development
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third largest component of breast milk with around 200 different structures working together to support the immune system through the gut.1,2
HMO’s have a prebiotic effect and stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.3–6
In breastfed infants, the intestinal microflora is dominated by Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. This microbial pattern produces beneficial effects on intestinal function and on the development of the immune system.2,7
Given the presence and important role of both HMOs in breast milk, and recognising that breast feeding is not always possible, ways to positively support the development of the microbiota of formula fed infants by the introduction of pre- and probiotics to the diet have been sought.
Nutricia understands that early life nutrition can have lifelong consequences and is committed to continued focus and scientific expertise into the composition of breast milk and the associated benefits.
For formula fed infants Nutricia has developed a prebiotic blend scGOS:lcFOS in a 9:1 ratio specifically designed to closely reflect the quantity, diversity and functionality of HMOs in breast milk.8–11
Studies have shown that infant formulas supplemented with Nutricia’s prebiotic oligosaccharide blend are able to promote a gut microbiota profile similar to that of breast-fed infants.12–14
Subsequent clinical trials have demonstrated that infant formula supplementation with these prebiotic oligosaccharides during the first 6 months of life results in a reduction in infections and allergic symptoms which is maintained beyond the intervention period, leading researchers to conclude that these ingredients seem to be effectively able to prime the immune system in a balanced way.14–17
Reduce incidence of allergic symptoms at 2 years of age 13,15,16 at 0.8g/100mL scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) when introduced in the first 6 months of life
Adapted from Arslanoglu S et al., 2008.16
Reduce incidence of allergic symptoms at 5 years of age 13,14,16,17
Our Aptamil Range of products contain Nutricia’s prebiotic oligosaccharides going beyond symptom relief to nutritionally support the immune system in early life.
References
1 Thurl S, et al. Nutr Rev, 2017;75(11):920–33.
2 Ayechu-Muruzabal V, et al. Front Pediatr, 2018;6:239.
3 Coppa GV. Int Conf on Breast Milk and Lactation, 1991 USA.
4 Brandmiller J, et al. J Pediatr, 1998;133:95–8.
5 Gyorgy P, et al. Eur J Biochem, 1974;43:29.
6 Wickramasinghe S, et al. BMC Microbiol, 2015;15:172.
7 van den Elsen LWJ, et al. Front Pediatr, 2019;7:47.
8 Thurl S, et al. Nutrition Reviews, 2017;0(0):1–14.
9 Stahl B, et al. Anal Biochem, 1994;223:218–26.
10 Coulier L, et al. J Agric Food Chem, 2009;57,8488–95.
11 Finke B, et al. J Agric Food Chem, 2002;50,4743–8.
12 Moro G, et al. Paediatric Gastroenterol Nutr, 2002; 34:291–295.
13 Ivakhnenko O, et al. Polish Paediatrics, 2013; 88: 398–404.
14 Moro G, et al. Arch Dis Child, 2006;61:814–819.
15 Arslanoglu S, et al. J Nutr, 2007;137:2420–2424.
16 Arslanoglu S, et al. J Nutr, 2008;138:1091–1095.
17 Arslanoglu S, et al. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents, 2012;26(3 Suppl):49–59.