Omega-3 and Probiotic Supplements Don't Boost Breast Milk's Immune Compounds
A clinical trial found that maternal omega-3 and probiotic supplements—widely marketed to prevent infant allergies—failed to increase protective oligosaccharides in breast milk. The finding challenges a common assumption among infant formula and supplement makers, suggesting companies may be overstating the benefits of these additives for immune development.
Originaltitel: Effects of maternal allergy and supplementation with ?-3 fatty acid and probiotic on human milk oligosaccharides
<p>BackgroundHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates that act as prebiotics, supporting infants' gut microbial colonization and immune development. HMO levels are influenced by several maternal factors, including genetics, diet, and health status. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of omega-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri supplementation on HMO levels in colostrum and mature milk. Another aim is to compare HMO levels between allergic and non-allergic mothers and to explore the correlation between HMOs and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in milk.MethodsMilk samples (n = 136) were collected from mothers enrolled in a clinical trial (PROOM-3) designed to investigate the effect of pre- and postnatal supplementation with omega-3 PUFA and L. reuteri on allergy development in early childhood. HMOs were measured in colostrum and mature milk collected 3 months postpartum using high-performance anion exchange chromatography. SIgA was measured in colostrum, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-month milk using ELISA.ResultsThe supplements did not affect HMO levels in colostrum or mature milk. However, maternal supplementation with omega-3 PUFA decreased the HMO diversity over time. Additionally, allergic mothers expressed significantly lower levels of several HMOs compared to non-allergic mothers. Additionally, SIgA correlated positively with fucosylated and negatively with sialylated HMOs.ConclusionSupplementation with omega-3 PUFA could reduce the HMO diversity over the course of lactation. Also, maternal allergy seems to be associated with a reduction in levels of several HMOs. Furthermore, there is a possible dynamic interplay between HMOs and SIgA in milk.Trial Registration-ID: NCT01542970</p>