A Positive Correlation between Breast Milk 3’ Sialyllactose and Language Development during Early Infancy

A growing body of research, primarily through animal studies, has suggested that specific human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as 2’Fucosyllactose (2’FL), 3’ Sialyllactose (3’SL) and 6’Sialyllactose (6’SL), may have a positive effect on neurodevelopment and cognitive ability. This is the first study reporting positive associations between sialylated HMOs and language development in early childhood. The results also indicated that interactions between specific HMOs may influence their effect on early cognitive development. Further research into the underlying biological mechanisms is warranted.