Probiotics in the New Era of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): HMO Utilization and Beneficial Effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 on Infant Health.

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for the immune system and overall development of infants. Bifidobacterium has been known to be a predominant species in the infant gut; however, an emerging concern is the apparent loss of this genus, in particular, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) in the gut microbiome of infants in industrialized nations, underscoring the importance of restoring this beneficial bacterium. With the growing understanding of the gut microbiome, probiotics, especially infant-type human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB) strains like B. infantis, are gaining prominence for their unique ability to utilize HMOs and positively influence infant health. This article delves into the physiology of a probiotic strain, B. infantis M-63, its symbiotic relationship with HMOs, and its potential in improving gastrointestinal and allergic conditions in infants and children. Moreover, this article critically assesses the role of HMOs and the emerging trend of supplementing infant formulas with the prebiotic HMOs, which serve as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, thereby emulating the protective effects of breastfeeding. The review highlights the potential of combining B. infantis M-63 with HMOs as a feasible strategy to improve health outcomes in infants and children, acknowledging the complexities and requirements for further research in this area.

The Concentration of Lactoferrin in Breast Milk Correlates with Maternal Body Mass Index and Parity.

Background: Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein found in human milk and body fluids, which has been shown to play a vital role in regulating the immunity and supporting the intestinal health of infants. Aim: This study evaluated the association between maternal/parturient factors and LF concentration in the breast milk of Chinese mothers. Methods: 207 breast milk samples were collected from healthy mothers with in the first year of lactation. Maternal and parturient information was collected for these participants through questionnaires. The content of lactoferrin in breast milk was detected by liquid chromatography, and macronutrient concentration in breast milk was measured by human milk analyzer in only 109 samples. Results: Our findings demonstrated that the LF content was much higher within the first month of lactation than it was after that period (p < 0.05). When compared with normal and lean mothers, the LF content of obese mothers was considerably higher (p < 0.05). The parity and LF content showed a favorable correlation. The proportion of LF to total protein tended to decrease as lactation progressed. Protein, fat, dry matter, and energy content were significantly positively correlated with LF content (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Early breast milk tends to have a higher level of LF, and the change of LF concentration in breast milk is associated with the parity and body mass index of the mother.