Leche Materna: Características funcionales de los oligosacáridos de la leche materna (Parte 2)

Abstract

During the first months of life, breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) stimulate development of the gastrointestinal tract in newborns and young infants; they modulate its metabolism and transport capabilities. Additionally, they exert prebiotic and antimicrobial activities and contribute to the development of the resident intestinal microbiota with a predominance of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and protect from colonization and infections by enteropathogens (bacteria, virus or parasites). It is highly probable that their activities extend beyond infancy and persist into adult life. HMOs stimulate the development of the innate and adaptive immune systems and decrease the risk of atopy/allergy. Their intake has been associated with a degree of protection against as necrotizing enterocolitis among premature infants. HMOs contribute to the long term adaptation and protection of newborn infants to unfavorable conditions of their environment and in this way may contribute to protect breastfed infants from type 1 diabetes and obesity.