Journal Article

Role of Human Milk Bioactives on Infants' Gut and Immune Health

Elolimy, Ahmed A., Yeruva, Laxmi, Munblit, Daniel, Matazel, Katelin S., Rosa, Fernanda, Carr, Laura E., Virmani, Misty D.

2021

Overview

Exclusive human milk feeding of the newborn is recommended during the first 6 months of life to promote optimal health outcomes during early life and beyond. Human milk contains a variety of bioactive factors such as hormones, cytokines, leukocytes, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, stem cells, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), microbiota, and microRNAs. Recent findings highlighted the potential importance of adding HMOs into infant formula for their roles in enhancing host defense mechanisms in neonates. Therefore, understanding the roles of human milk bioactive factors on immune function is critical to build the scientific evidence base around breastfeeding recommendations, and to enhance positive health outcomes in formula fed infants through modifications to formulas. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning the roles of different milk components, the interactions between the different components, and the mechanisms behind health outcomes are poorly understood. This review aims to show the current knowledge about HMOs, milk microbiota, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and milk microRNAs (miRNAs) and how these could have similar mechanisms of regulating gut and microbiota function. It will also highlight the knowledge gaps for future research.

• Publisher: Frontiers Media SA,Frontiers Media S.A
• Subject: Antigens / Bacteria / Biomarkers / Breast Feeding / Breast milk / breastmilk / Cell growth / Child Development / Cytokines / Dendritic cells / development / Disease Resistance - immunology / Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Gastrointestinal Tract - immunology / Gastrointestinal Tract - metabolism / Glycoproteins / Gut microbiota / Homeostasis / Host-Pathogen Interactions - immunology / human milk / Humans / Immune response / Immune system / Immunity / Immunity (Disease) / Immunoglobulins / Immunology / Immunomodulation / Infant / Infant formulas / Infant, Newborn / Infants / Intestinal Mucosa - immunology / Intestinal Mucosa - metabolism / Intestinal Mucosa - microbiology / Lactoferrin / Leukocytes / Lysozyme / Microbiota / MicroRNAs / Milk, Human - immunology / Milk, Human - metabolism / miRNA / Neonates / Newborn babies / Oligosaccharides / Pathogens / Premature babies / Premature birth / Sepsis / Toxins / Tuberculosis / Viral infections