Human milk provides a uniquely balanced nutritional profile essential for the optimal growth and immune development of infants. A key component of human milk, oligosaccharides, promotes gut health, pathogen resistance, and immune modulation. Infant formulas have traditionally lacked these complex oligosaccharides, contributing to observed health disparities between formula-fed and human milk-fed infants. This study, conducted by Estorninos et al., investigated the effects of a milk-derived oligosaccharide (MOS)-supplemented infant formula on the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function in formula-fed infants, aiming to shift these metrics closer to that of breastfed infants.
Study Design and Methods
In a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, healthy term infants were assigned to either a control group (standard formula) or an experimental group receiving MOS-supplemented formula. A human milk-fed group served as a reference. Microbiota composition, immune markers, and intestinal health biomarkers were assessed via stool samples collected at baseline, 2.5 months, and 4 months.
Main Findings
- Microbiota Composition: Infants receiving MOS-supplemented formula had gut microbiota closer to that of human milk-fed infants. The MOS group showed increased levels of bifidobacteria, beneficial gut microbes associated with healthier immune development, especially in caesarean-born infants.
- Reduction in Pathogens: Compared to the control, MOS supplementation resulted in a substantial decrease in Clostridioides difficile and Clostridium perfringens counts. This effect contributes to lowering the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
- Intestinal Immune Function: The MOS group demonstrated significantly higher levels of fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which is crucial for mucosal immunity, and an increase in oral polio vaccine-specific IgA compared to controls, suggesting improved immune responsiveness.
- Gut Maturation Indicators: The MOS group exhibited reduced fecal pH and increased organic acids (like lactate), aligning with markers of a healthy gut environment. Calcium excretion was also lower, implying improved mineral absorption likely facilitated by MOS-related changes in gut composition.
Conclusion
MOS supplementation in infant formula effectively modulated gut microbiota, mimicking some immunological and gut health benefits of human milk. This intervention shows promise for supporting healthier early-life gut and immune development in formula-fed infants.
References
- Estorninos E., Lawenko R. B., Palestroque E., Sprenger N., et al. “Term infant formula supplemented with milk-derived oligosaccharides shifts the gut microbiota closer to that of human milk-fed infants and improves intestinal immune defense: A randomized controlled trial.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;115:142–153.
- Andreas NJ, Kampmann B, Mehring Le-Doare K. Human breast milk: a review on its composition and bioactivity. Early Hum Dev. 2015;91(11):629–35.
- Bode L. The functional biology of human milk oligosaccharides. Early Hum Dev. 2015;91(11):619–22.
