Human milk vs. other mammal milk is unique for its abundance of oligosaccharides, which are unique carbohydrate polymers. The Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) Research Review examines the structure and functions of HMOs, which act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids that create an environment that discourages the growth of potential pathogens. HMOs also serve as antiadhesive antimicrobials, thus reducing the risk of infections, and have also been shown to modulate epithelial and immune cell responses.
