Researchers examined the effect of dietary patterns on HMO concentrations and observed increased oligosaccharide content in mothers on plant-rich diets, suggesting “additional benefits for increasing vegetable consumption”.
Plant-derived macronutrients were among the main dietary components that correlated with HMO status, especially in relation to 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) levels, along with multiple vitamins and metal ions.
The study authors’ said: “Higher vegetable intake in mothers is associated with lower incidence of allergy in offspring. Our results suggest a beneficial role of eating vegetables with regards to HMO levels in breastmilk.”
Key focus
HMOs are the third largest component of breastmilk and support the developing immune system of infants, help regulate intestinal microbiota, and inhibit propagation of pathogens.
While diet is a key factor in both maternal and infant health, experts are unclear about its influence on human milk composition and specifically HMO concentrations.
A cohort of 277 healthy women with “adequate dietary intake” were selected for the Chinese study. Mothers provided breastmilk samples at five stages during gestation and up to 400 days postpartum.
HMOs in samples were determined by high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD) and dietary data collected through food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) on the day of milk collection.
The study focused on six main oligosaccharides representing all major HMO types (fucosylated, sialylated, and acetylated) and 40% of existing oligosaccharides. In all, 82 nutrient data items were calculated.