Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex sugars that are available in human milk. They are the 3rd largest solid component in breast milk after fat and lactose and have no nutritive function. HMOs are responsible for directly stimulating the immune system by promoting good gut bacteria, strengthening the gut barrier function and blocking pathogens.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides are an exciting and central area of research in infant nutrition. Scientific advances on HMOs are helping us know more about the role and importance of these essential components of Human milk. The HMO Academy has been created to share evidence-based information in interactive and user-friendly way from more than a decade of research on HMOs.
Library >
Article
Biology of human milk oligosaccharides: From basic science to clinical evidence
Article
Acute Respiratory Infections in breastfed infants: Role of maternal secretor status and nasopharyngeal microbiome
The Nest
The Nest 40: Human Milk Oligosaccharides
Abstract Brochure
Human Milk Oligosaccharides support immune protection
Abstract Brochure
Nestlé Research on Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Latest Update
Article
Safety and efficacy of a probiotic-containing infant formula supplemented with 2’-fucosyllactose
Article
HMOs: New Ways to Shape the Gut Microbiome in CMPA
The Nest
The Nest 44: Pro-, Pre-, and Synbiotics: Myths and Facts
Abstract Brochure
From Basic Science to Clinical Implication: The HMO Story So Far
Abstract Brochure
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Where Do We Go from Here?
NNIW Brochure
NNIW88 Brochure: Intestinal Microbiome: Functional Aspects in Health & Disease
NNIW Brochure
NNIW90 Brochure: Human Milk: Composition, Clinical Benefits and Future Opportunities
Article
First clinical study to report on the effects of supplementation with 2 HMOs
Article
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: the Link between Mother’s and Baby’s Health
Article
2’fucosyllactose is well tolerated in a partially hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Article
Benefits of two Human Milk Oligosaccharides, 2FL and LNnT in Infant Nutrition
Videos >
Video Teaser
Yvan Vandenplas: How HMOs Boost Immunity
Video
Viktor Bauer: Term infant formula supplemented with a unique blend of 5 HMOs
Video
HMOs and Gut Development: New Clinical Evidence
Video
Florence Rochat: Impact of HMO on toddler microbiota and its activity
Video Teaser
Lars Bode: The Science of HMO's what they are and what they do
Video Teaser
Sagar Thakkar: Lactation for infant feeding expertise (LIFE) focus on HMO's
Video Teaser
Ryan Carvalho: Learnings from the last decade of clinical evidence on HMOs
Video
Philippe Alliet: Term Infant Formula Supplemented with 2’FL Reduces the Abundance of Pathogenic Bacteria during Early Infancy
Video
Florence Rochat: HMO diversity impacts infant microbiota activity
Video
Aristea Binea: HMO levels in breast milk do not correlate or predict infant growth
Video Teaser
Carine Blanchard: HMOs and allergic sensitization: current evidence
Video
Jane Natividad: Human Milk Oligosaccharides Confer Resistance against Inflammation-mediated Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction
Video
Jane Natividad: Microbial Products Derived From HMO Fermentation by Infant Microbiota Protect Against Inflammation
Video
Jonas Hauser: Early Life Presence of 6’SL Alters Microbiota
Video
Jonas Hauser: Sialylated HMOs are Shaping the Development of Cognitive Functions
Video
Jonas Hauser: Early Life Supplementation with Blends of (HMO) Improves Cognitive Functions
Video
Weili Lin: A Positive Correlation between Breast Milk 3’ Sialyllactose and Language Development
Video
Jonas Hauser: Glutamatergic Gene Expression Mediates the Relationship between Gut Bacteria
Video Teaser
Sharon Donovan: Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Neonatal Immunity
Video Teaser
Hania Szajewska: Evidence-based Medicine and HMOs
Expert Interview
Norbert Sprenger: Human milk oligosaccharides factors
Video Teaser
Lars Bode: Human Milk Oligosaccharides: next Generation Functions and Questions
Video Teaser
Philippe Alliet: Clinical Studies: what is known and what needs further Studies?
Video Teaser
Yvan Vandenplas: HMOs story so far
Video Teaser
Seppo Salminen: Human Milk Oligosaccharides: regulatory Aspects
Expert Interview
Lars Bode: Milk Oligosaccharides structure and function
Video Teaser
Clemens Kunz: HMOs: just a Sugar or Nature’s secret Weapon
Video Teaser
Norbert Sprenger: HMO – physiological Significance
Video teaser
Functional Insights in HMOs, Key early Life Bioactives
Continuous Medical Education >
Tutorial
Module 1: Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Basic Science and Physiological Significance
Tutorial
Module 2: Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Gut Microbiota and beyond
Tutorial
Module 3: Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides in the Protection against Infections and Necrotising Enterocolitis
Tutorial
Module 4: Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Complex structure and Specific Functional Benefits
Tutorial
Module 5 Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Clinical Evidence
Tutorial
New findings on HMO research
#
Practical Resources >
Presentation Slides
HMOs and Gut Development: New Clinical Evidence
Infographic
HMOs and gut development: What is the current evidence?
Presentation Slides
Role of HMOs in Preterm Nutrition
Infographic
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: A Child's Health Guardian
Infographic
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Help Strengthen an Infant's Immunity
Infographic
How Can Preterm Infants Benefit From Human Milk Oligosaccharides
Presentation Slides
What are HMOs: basic science
Infographic
The benefits of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on immunity
Infographic
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (structure and functions)
Publication Digest
2’fucosyllactose is well tolerated in a partially hydrolysed Whey Protein Infant Formula with a probiotic
Presentation Slides
HMOs: clinical studies
Publication Digest
Effects of Infant Formula with HMOs on Growth and Morbidity
Publication Digest
Infants fed a Formula containing 2’FL have lower inflammatory Cytokines
Fast Facts
How do HMOs support babies immunity
Publication Digest
Addition of 2’FL brings Infant Formulae closer to Human Milk
Publication Digest
Innate Protection conferred by fucosylated Oligosaccharides
Fast Facts
What makes HMOs unique?
Fast Facts
Do HMOs have a protective role in reducing the risk of respitory infections
News >
News
Content of HMO 2FL in breast milk is associated with higher cognitive development scores at 2 years
News
Human Milk Oligosaccharides may play a role in Childhood Obesity Prevention?
News
HMOs in Infant Formula – Latest Research Reviewed
News
Immunological Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharides: New Scientific Review
News
HMO, 6’Sialyllactose in early Life plays a key Role in the Brain Development of Mice
News
Role of 2′-fucosylated HMOs in the Reduction of respiratory Infections in Babies
News
HMOs stimulate Bifidobacteria that contribute to reduce the Risk of lower Respiratory Tract Illnesses
News
HMOs, 6’SL, in pre-weaning Milk modulates Microbiota Composition and improves adult Cognitive Functions
News
HMOs, 3′SL, in pre-weaning Milk influences Attention, Learning and Memory later in Life
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)?
Q2. What happens to HMOs in the gastrointestinal tract?
Q3. What role do HMOs play?
Q4. Do levels of HMOs decrease over the course of lactation?
Q5. Are HMOs affected by the mother’s genes?
Q6. Do HMOs in the milk of mothers having preterm babies differ from those who have term babies?
Q7. What are the building blocks of HMOs?
Q8. What is so new about HMOs?
Q9. Why are HMOs unique from oligosaccharides in cow’s milk?
Q10. How many types of HMOs have been identified?
Q11. How do HMOs reach human breast milk?
Q12. Which are the most abundant HMOs in human breast milk?
Q13. How do HMOs support babies’ immunity?
Q14. Is there evidence that HMOs support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in breastfed babies?
Q15. Why is a beneficial gut microbiota so important for infants?
Q16. Is there evidence for the protective effect of HMOs?
Q17. Can HMOs influence the development of allergies in children?
Q18. How do human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria?
Q19. Do Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) affect the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria?
Q20. How do Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) exert a protective effect against gastrointestinal (GI) infections?
Q21. How do Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) act as immune modulators?
Q22. Is there any clinical evidence that supports the role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in immune modulation?
Q23. Why have human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) not been introduced earlier into infant formulae?
Q24. How are human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) synthesized?
Q25. Which human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been added to infant formulae?
Q26. Is it safe to use a combination of the human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) 2’fucosyllactose (2’FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) in infant formulae?
Q27. Is a combination of two human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in infant formula better than one HMO?
Q28. Among the various human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), why has Nestlé chosen 2’fucosyllactose (2’FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)?
Q29. How are human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) structurally different from galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)?
Q30. Are there studies that show differences among human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and other oligosaccharides?
Q31. What is the evidence for the effect of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on babies gut microbiota development?
Q32. What is the evidence that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) do not promote the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria?
Q33. What is the evidence for immune benefits of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in infants?