Continued research into the human microbiome (gut flora) has now discovered human milk oligosaccharides health benefits (HMO). In a nutshell, human milk oligosaccharides support the lining of the gastrointestinal system, increase beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria, especially bifidobacterium and decrease the adherence of pathogens to the inside of the lining of the gastrointestinal system. But how and why?
An oligosaccharide, simply stated is a type of undigestible carbohydrate. It is technically a prebiotic, a term recognized by many with GI tract problems as “food for the good bacteria”. Many probiotics contain prebiotics and most of them have the potential to cause unexpected GI tract problems like gas, bloating, stomach aches or loose bowels. Not so with human milk oligosaccharides.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides
There have been more than 200 human milk oligosaccharides identified and 2′ FL is the most abundant. In comparison with bovine milk withless than 40 oligosaccharides identified, human milk has 100-300 times more total oligosaccharides. They resist the acidic pH of the stomach, are not affected by digestive enzymes and reach the colon intact – an area where bifidobacterium thrives. Once arriving in the colon, they work to change the chemistry of the bowel in a remarkably positive way.
Not only do levels of beneficial bacteria increase, but human milk oligosaccharides act as decoys for many bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens. They confuse these organisms causing them to bind to the HMO and not human cells. These pathogens are then excreted and do no harm.
No wonder breast milk has always been the “gold standard” for infant nutrition. These same benefits can also be seen in children and adults.
For Metagenics supplement containing HMO’s:
Click here to view Metagenics UltraGI Replenish
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