HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides)
Research reviewed: 2012–2020
HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) (Human milk oligosaccharides) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,042 participants, researched for Gut Microbiome, Immune Function, Cognitive Development and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Gut Microbiome
ModerateImmune Function
ModerateCognitive Development
ModerateInflammation Reduction
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Gut Microbiome
Evaluate HMO supplementation in infant formula on gut microbiome
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate HMO supplementation in infant formula on gut microbiome
Dose
0.8 g/L 2'FL in formula
Participants
163
Duration
4 months
Results
Formula with HMOs supported Bifidobacterium profile closer to breastfed infants; improved acetate; reduced pathogen colonisation
How They Measured It
Faecal 16S rRNA, Bifidobacterium, SCFA
Test 2'FL and LNnT HMOs in adult gut microbiome supplementation
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test 2'FL and LNnT HMOs in adult gut microbiome supplementation
Dose
5 g/day (2'FL + LNnT)
Participants
290
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant bifidogenic effect; SCFA production increased; intestinal permeability markers improved; no adverse events
How They Measured It
16S rRNA gut profiling, SCFA, gut permeability markers
Immune Function
Evaluate 2'FL HMO on immune development and infection in infants
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate 2'FL HMO on immune development and infection in infants
Dose
1 g/L in infant formula
Participants
175
Duration
6 months
Results
Reduced incidence of lower respiratory tract infections; reduced antibiotic use; immune profile closer to breastfed reference
How They Measured It
Infection rates, serum cytokines, immune cell populations
Assess HMO supplementation on adult immune and inflammatory markers
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess HMO supplementation on adult immune and inflammatory markers
Dose
10 g/day HMO blend
Participants
88
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in CRP and IL-6; NK cell activity maintained; sIgA increased; anti-inflammatory profile consistent
How They Measured It
CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, NK cell activity, sIgA
Cognitive Development
Evaluate HMOs in infant formula on cognitive development
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate HMOs in infant formula on cognitive development
Dose
Formula with 2'FL and LNnT
Participants
210
Duration
12 months
Results
Cognitive development scores significantly higher vs standard formula control at 12 months; language development improved
How They Measured It
Bayley Scales of Infant Development, EEG measures
Assess breastmilk HMO diversity and infant cognitive outcomes
Study Type
Observational Cohort Study
Purpose
Assess breastmilk HMO diversity and infant cognitive outcomes
Dose
N/A (breastmilk observational)
Participants
50
Duration
12 months
Results
Higher lacto-N-tetraose (LNnT) in breastmilk correlated with better cognitive scores at 12 months
How They Measured It
Bayley cognitive subscales, HMO composition analysis
Inflammation Reduction
Assess HMO supplementation on inflammatory markers in adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess HMO supplementation on inflammatory markers in adults
Dose
5 g/day
Participants
136
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in faecal calprotectin; reduced zonulin; CRP trend reduction; improved gut barrier integrity
How They Measured It
CRP, calprotectin, IL-6, gut permeability (zonulin)
Evaluate HMO on gut health and immune function in adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate HMO on gut health and immune function in adults
Dose
15 g/day HMO blend
Participants
130
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Sustained bifidogenic effect; immune markers normalised; quality of life scores improved; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Gut microbiome, immune markers, quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) (Human milk oligosaccharides), involving 1,042 total participants. Research covers Gut Microbiome, Immune Function, Cognitive Development and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) has been researched for: Gut Microbiome, Immune Function, Cognitive Development, Inflammation Reduction. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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