Development of the infant’s microbiota depending on the nature of feeding: A review

Abstract

Breast milk oligosaccharides (BMOs) are short polymers of simple sugars that are present in high concentrations in a woman’s breast milk (BM). Their content changes fast over time. Genetic factors, the duration of lactation, and environmental factors particularly influence the level of BMOs. BMOs can facilitate the development of the immune system and protect against infectious diseases directly through the interaction of intestinal epithelial cells or indirectly through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota, including stimulating Bifidobacterium growth. Clinical data suggest that adding BMOs to infant formula promotes normal neonatal growth and benefits infant health. Adding 1 or 2 BMOs to infant formulas is safe and brings their composition closer to the BM, allowing the child to develop harmoniously.