Title: Unexpected variations in human milk oligosaccharide group distributions between African and European mothers
| Published: | May 24, 2024 |
Aligned with the World Health Organization’s view on the importance of breastfeeding for infant health, Danone Research & Innovation advocates for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by sustained breastfeeding alongside complementary foods. Leveraging our expertise, we develop innovative nutritional solutions to guide and support breastfeeding mothers.
Human milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition for infants. Upon comparing findings from three key human milk cohort studies (Kenyan Iron Fortification [KIF], Ulm SPATZ cohort and Mother to Infant Transmission of Microbiota in Central Africa [MITICA]), our dedicated research team unveiled unexpected variations of human milk group distributions between African and European regions.
According to our experts, maternal genetics lead to differences in profiles of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), delineating four human milk groups: HM-group I, II, III and IV1,2,3,4. In particular, it was observed that a higher percentage of mothers in African human milk cohorts belonged to HM-group III. This group is characterized by features such as elevated levels of LNT in comparison to their European counterparts.
These disparities are not solely attributed to maternal genetics, but possibly also result from the influence of external factors such as food insecurity and maternal diet. A comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of HM-type III in African mothers requires further exploration.
Curious to learn more? Check-out our infographic and the KIF, Ulm SPATZ and MITICA studies.
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2. Hundshammer C, Minge O. In Love with Shaping You-Influential Factors on the Breast Milk Content of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Their Decisive Roles for Neonatal Development. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 20;12(11):3568. doi: 10.3390/nu12113568. PMID: 33233832; PMCID: PMC7699834.
3. Eussen SRBM, Mank M, Kottler R, Homann XK, Behne A, Rapp E, Stahl B, Mearin ML, Koletzko B. Presence and Levels of Galactosyllactoses and Other Oligosaccharides in Human Milk and Their Variation during Lactation and According to Maternal Phenotype. Nutrients. 2021 Jul 6;13(7):2324. doi: 10.3390/nu13072324. PMID: 34371833; PMCID: PMC8308909.
4. Mank M, Hauner H, Heck AJR, Stahl B. Targeted LC-ESI-MS2 characterization of human milk oligosaccharide diversity at 6 to 16 weeks post-partum reveals clear staging eects and distinctive milk groups. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2020 Oct;412(25):6887-6907. doi: 10.1007/s00216-020-02819-x. Epub 2020 Aug 14. PMID: 32794008; PMCID: PMC7496073.