User:Snazzywiki/Human milk oligosaccharides
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a family of structurally diverse unconjugated glycans that are found in and unique to human breast milk. HMOs function as a prebiotic helping to establish commensal bacteria, HMOs also function as anti-adhesives that help prevent the attachment of microbial pathogens to mucosal surfaces.[1]
Evolution
Other biological roles
HMOs may modulate epithelial and immune cell responses, reduce excessive mucosal leukocyte infiltration and activation, lower the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis and provide the infant with sialic acid as a potentially essential nutrient for brain development and cognition.[1]
References
- ^ a b Bode, L (18 Apr 2012). "Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama". Glycobiology (journal. 22 (9): 1147–62. doi:10.1093/glycob/cws074. PMID 22513036. Retrieved 20 December 2015.