Introduction:
Breast Milk (BM), containing nutrients and bioactive components, represents the best source
for neonatal nutrition and determines short- and long- term benefits. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)
play an active role in these pathophysiological mechanisms. In fact; they influence the shaping of breastfed
infant’s gut microbiota, promote intestinal development, confer protection against intestinal or systemic
infections modulating immune system; moreover, HMOs determine extra-intestinal effects on several target
organs, i.e reducing necrotizing enterocolitis rate or improving brain development.
Aims:
In this review, we
analyze the great inter- and intra-individual variability of BM HMOs, investigating maternal, genetic and
environmental factors modulating their composition. Moreover, we provide an update regarding HMOs’
unique properties, underlining their complex interaction with intestinal microbiota and host-derived
metabolites. The possible HMOs’ influence on extra-intestinal bacterial communities, potentially influencing
newborns’ and even lactating mothers’ health, have been hypothesized. Finally, recognized HMOs’ crucial
role, we underline the promising opportunities showed by their addition in formula milk, useful to create
dairy products more similar to maternal milk itself.