How HMOs boost immunity

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) stimulate the development of a bifidogenic microbiome, which is boosting a maturation of the immune system into a balanced TH1/TH2 development resulting in a reduced risk of allergic disease. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) support the infants’ immune system through four potential mechanisms: supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and eliminating pathogens, as well strengthening the gut barrier function and guiding a maturation on the immune system towards a balanced Th1/Th2 response. HMOs provide protection against allergy and infectious diseases directly through the interaction of the gut epithelial cells or indirectly through the modulation of the gut microbiota, including the stimulation of the bifidobacteria.