文摘
During the last decade great progress has been achieved regarding the characterization of individual human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and different HMO patterns, which are currently under intensive investigation in the context of infant health. Human milk contains a variety of complex oligosaccharides in concentrations of 10-0?g/l and can thus be considered as the third most abundant class of components besides lactose and fat. Biosynthesis in the mammary glands is influenced by specific enzymes, which are also responsible for the Lewis blood group type and the secretor status. Previous studies indicated that HMOs modulate growth and activity of certain microorganisms, especially of some strains of bifidobacteria. Despite these interesting data which are primarily based on in vitro studies, the bifidogenic effect of HMOs in infants has not yet been clearly proven. This is also true for other specific functions of HMOs, such as their influence on inflammatory and infectious processes or the inhibitory effect on the adhesion of pathogens and their toxins to epithelial surfaces. Biotechnical advancements now enable the production of some HMOs on a large scale so that these components are currently being studied in vivo and might soon be used to supplement infant formula; however, prior to clinical studies it needs to be considered that single HMOs may exert different or even adverse biological effects than the complex mixture of HMOs found in human milk. In addition, HMOs may affect infants differently depending on the degree of maturation (i.e. preterm versus term born) and the individual risk of developing certain diseases.