Impact of two human milk oligosaccharides and lactose on the faecal microbiome of infants with probable cow’s milk allergy

What is it about?

Using a validated intestinal fermentation assay, we show that a human milk oligosaccharide mixture of 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), as well as lactose, has an impact on the fecal microbiome and metabolome of infants with probable cow’s milk protein allergy. Although the fecal microbiota from the 12 different donors demonstrated a high degree of heterogeneity, supplementation with 2’FL, LNnT and lactose induced an enrichment in Bifidobacteriaceae in all donors. HMO and lactose also boosted the production of short-chain fatty acids, as well as of aromatic lactic acids and N-acetylated amino acids, with additive effects observed for combining 2’FL, LNnT and lactose. Finally an additive effect of HMO and Lactose was observed. Based on these findings, HMO and lactose supplementation of hypoallergenic formulas currently used for the management of cow’s milk protein in infants, appears to provide a promising strategy to ameliorate the gut microbial dysbiosis. The observed gut microbiome and associated metabolomic changes are thought to confer specific benefits for intestinal mucosal integrity and early and immune development. Yet, clinical trials are required to confirm the health benefit effects of HMO and lactose.

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