Sustained Presence of Core HMOs Supports Infant Development Beyond One Year

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are pivotal bioactive components of breast milk, crucial for infant gut and immune health . While most research has centered on early lactation, the latest review and meta-analysis synthesizing data from 13 studies reveals that core HMOs—including 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), lac-to-N-neotetraose (LNnT), 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL), and 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL) —remain abundant through 12 months and beyond. Although total HMO concentrations decline from colostrum to six months, they stabilize thereafter, maintaining biologically relevant levels up to 24 months.

Notably, 3-FL uniquely increases over time, underscoring dynamic changes in milk composition during extended breastfeeding. These findings highlight the importance of sustained breastfeeding and open avenues for exploring long-term HMO impact on child…